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StepUp-SpeakOut.Org BlogSpot

Hello and welcome to the StepUp-SpeakOut.Org Blog Spot.

We will be using this blog for fast updates on news and information in the field of Secondary Lymphedema as a result of Breast Cancer.

We will be posting articles and information on new research and treatments, legislative and insurance information, and other pertinent information, and invite your comments.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

IS JUST A SLEEVE ENOUGH, OR DO YOU NEED HAND PROTECTION AS WELL?

The answer to that question will depend on several factors. If you are wearing garments to reduce your risk of developing lymphedema, you'll definitely want a gauntlet or glove to prevent any swelling from becoming trapped in your hand. If you already have lymphedema in your arm, and your hand is not yet involved, the decision to use hand protection or not is one you and your therapist should discuss. If you choose to wear the sleeve alone, be alert for signs of new swelling, tightness or heaviness in your hand, and move quickly to using hand compression (either garments or hand wrapping). This article by Dr. Andrea Cheville from the LympheDivas website explains your options in more detail.