The build-up of lymph fluid in your tissues just underneath the skin is known as a condition called lymphedema. Typically this condition will impact your extremities, such as your arms and your legs, but can also impact other parts of your body like your face or your abdomen. As this can be a chronic condition, it is important to identify its signs and symptoms early on and meet with a doctor who treats this specific condition. Among the different doctors who may be able to diagnose this condition, there are lymphedema specialists who have the credentials and expertise to treat the symptoms of lymphedema. Dr. Warren Albrecht is Board Certified Vascular Surgeon with years of experience in wound care and evaluation of extremity edema who offers an in-depth diagnosis and directs therapies to aid you along this recovery journey.
Specialties That Treat Lymphedema
Not just any doctor, physician, or general practitioner is qualified to treat this condition of lymphedema. There are different specialities in the medical field that will have the training to be able to effectively treat lymphedema. Some of those specialties include:
- Vascular surgeons
- Internal medicine specialists
- Dermatologists
- Wound care
- Podiatrists
- Infectious Disease Specialists
- Physical Therapists
These are the specialists that are often involved in lymphedema cases, and if your case is severe, you may be referred to multiple specialists.
Credentials and Qualifications
When you are on your search to find an accredited medical professional to help in your case, be sure to inquire about the qualifications and credentials they have for treating this condition. Physicians should have years of experience seeing many patients with edema complaints. Most therapy specialists will have the necessary credentials to treat lymphedema like being a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT-certified). This indicates that they have had over 135 hours of certified training with this condition and the symptoms that it presents. Going through training and having experience, such as various therapy instructions, certifies them to be qualified to handle the vital aspects of lymphedema.
Do not be afraid to ask questions throughout the process of finding your doctor. You will want to be sure that you are in the best hands possible with your specialized care. Each specialty will have its level of experience with this condition, but the specialists with these credentials will be able to aid effectively in the treatment of lymphedema due to their training and experience.
When To Call the Doctor
Being able to recognize the symptoms of lymphedema will help you identify when it is time to get a hold of a doctor or specialist to start treating these symptoms right away. Some of the common symptoms that occur with those experiencing lymphedema can include:
- Intense swelling in a particular region of the body (arms, legs, neck, chest)
- Stiffness of joints in the affected area
- Numbness, tingling, or pain
- Clothes and accessories no longer fit on extremity, not due to weight gain
- Edema after injury or surgery to an extremity
- Swelling during or after cancer treatments or surgery
Lymphedema can also be a side effect of treatments of certain cancers near the treatment site as well. Lymphedema can also follow venous disease. When experiencing these signs and you suspect it is due to lymphedema, do not hesitate to call a doctor.
The experienced vascular specialists at Snake River Vascular Surgery are here to assist you throughout this condition with their specialized qualifications and the extensive training they have to offer. Don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can start treating your symptoms today.