Lymphedema is when the lymph fluid builds up in the fatty tissues that exist just below your skin. As a Toronto compounding pharmacy, we want you to know: This is a very discomforting situation as it causes swelling in that area. Usually, it happens in the arms and legs, but it could also occur in the face, neck, trunk, abdomen, and genitals. Sometimes, this fluid build-up has severe problems and becomes a chronic condition. That is why healthcare experts recommend early and careful management so that the symptoms could be reduced and it doesn’t get worse for you.
If you get the proper treatment and use the right techniques, you could easily reduce your lymphedema to normal or near-normal size. But the problem is that the lymphatic vessels do not go back to normal. They stay the same. Also, once you have lymphedema, your skin might never be as elastic as it once was. The swelling caused by lymphedema dramatically reduces the skin’s elasticity. That is why a lot of doctors in Toronto prescribe external support for patients suffering from lymphedema.
The Role of Compression Garments in Lymphedema
Compression garments are essential for successfully reducing lymphedema and managing the disease after the swelling has gone down. Their primary goal is to keep the swelling to a minimum while the patient goes through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). Once the intensive phase of CDT is over, the patients are fitted for compression garments by an experienced person. The fitter is certified in taking the measurements for the garments and then creating them.
Which Should You Choose in Toronto: Ready Made or Custom Made?
There are various options for you once you go into the market, which creates a little confusion. Shopping for a compression garment is not the same as shopping for clothes. There are numerous essential factors that you have to look at. These include mobility, activity level, coverage area, age, the shape of the limb or the body part, material, compression class, cost, skin sensitivity, and more. These are the factors that help you decide whether you should go for a ready-made compression garment for lymphedema or talk to a Toronto compounding pharmacy for a custom-made compression garment.
What Is The Difference Between Custom-Made And Ready-Made Garments?
The primary difference between a custom-made garment of high quality and an over-the-counter product is the inlay thread that is present. It is generally made of rubber or lycra and provides a better level of compression consistency than OTC products. Although both OTC compression garments custom-made compression garments have this thread woven into the material, the quality is what sets them apart.
Ready-made garments are cost-effective and easy to replace. They can be bought immediately. On the other hand, they are made from relatively thin and sheer fabric and usually have no seam. They come in a variety of sizes and girths, lengths, materials, and compression classes. The problem arises that they might not be able to provide the same level of support for the limb or the body part. They are also not as precise as a custom-made compression garment made by a compounding pharmacy. The tailored garment is made according to the patient’s exact measurements.
On the other hand, custom-made compression garments are usually made from a thicker and more breathable material. They are knitted row by row. The shape is produced by adding or removing needles during the production. They are made exactly according to the patient’s size. A seam joins the flat piece to form the complete garment. Thanks to the heavier knit material, custom-made compression garments are much more resistant. They contain the swelling better than a ready-made garment.
Final Thoughts
It is easier to get ready-made compression garments for lymphedema and change them whenever you like. Still, if you want better quality, thicker, and more breathable material and better swelling management, then you might want to go for a custom-made compression garment. Contact us if you want to know more about compression garments or anything compounding-related. Our expert consultants in our Toronto compounding pharmacy are always ready and willing to help you out.
Also Read: How Can A Compounding Pharmacy In Hamilton Help You With Female Orgasmic Disorder?
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