Lymphedema is a chronic condition that
causes swelling in the tissues of the body. Although this long-term condition
can affect other body parts, it mostly develops in the legs or arms. Usually, lymphedema
affects one leg or arm but there are cases where it affects the two legs or
both arms of the patient.
In most cases, lymphedema is caused by
damage or removal of the lymph nodes while undergoing cancer treatment. Essentially,
lymphatic system’s blockage causes this condition. The lymphatic system is part
of the immune system which helps the body in fighting off infections. Blockage
of the lymphatic system prevents proper draining of lymph fluid. Therefore, the
fluid builds up in the system causing the swelling.
Lymphedema is characterized by recurring
infections, swelling of part or the entire leg or arm including toes and
fingers, restricted motion range, discomfort or aching, a feeling of lightness
or heaviness, as well as thickening and hardening of the skin.
The blockage and buildup of fluid can occur
for no apparent reason leading to what is called primary lymphedema. Primary
lymphedema is mostly associated with faulty genes and it doesn’t have a
specific age when it develops. It can also be caused by conditions like
surgery, injury, infection, limb inflammation, radiation during cancer
treatment, or lack of movement of the limb. This is what is called secondary
lymphedema.
Why Would CBD Oil Be a Good Option for Lymphedema?
Currently, lymphedema doesn’t have a
conventional cure. Patients manage it with early diagnoses followed by diligent
care of the affected parts. Conventionally, this condition is managed with
compression treatments as well as physical therapy that help with discomfort
and swelling reduction.
Depending on the cause of lymphedema, CBD oil
can be a good option. For instance, if lymphedema is caused by the radiation
therapy that is used as a cancer treatment, it can be very painful. When a
patient receives radiation to the under arm lymph nodes, they can develop
lymphedema. This is usually characterized by swelling and pain in this region.
In that case, a patient can use CBD oil to ease the pain that is caused by
lymphedema. That’s because CBD oil has shown the potential to treat pain.
Study has also shown that CBD oil has the
potential to help with the swelling that is associated with lymphedema and
edema among other conditions. Essentially, CBD oil has the potential to suppress
inflammation. In fact, CBD can be a great anti-inflammatory drug.
It has also shown the potential to reduce
swelling on swollen or inflamed joints after injuries. It does this by
inhibiting the fatty acids that are highly concentrated in the body parts that
have inflammations.
Basically, these studies show clearly that
CBD can help with the symptoms of lymphedema. What’s more, people have used CBD
for lymphedema and reported that it slows down progression of the condition
while minimizing the associated pain.
Medical Studies on CBD and Lymphedema
Currently, there are no studies that have
been done specifically on CBD and lymphedema. However, there are prominent studies
that relate to the effect that CBD has on lymphedema patients.
For instance, these studies show that CBD
has the potential to ease the inflammation or swelling that is associated with
conditions like lymphedema.
Additionally, these other studies show that
CBD has the potential to ease the pain that is associated with conditions like lymphedema.
In a nutshell, CBD works for lymphedema as a
pain killer and as an anti-inflammatory treatment that eases the discomfort
that is associated with this condition. In most cases, patients apply CBD oil
on the swollen parts. Nevertheless, talk to your doctor about your intention to
use CBD as a treatment for lymphedema before you do it.
For help with creation of such content, email us via bishopwriters@gmail.com or visit www.bishopwriters.com to order your content today!
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5645627/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22585736
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720222549.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4423662/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/
