Grosgrain and elastic stockings for the reduction of lymphedema and the
maintenance of the results of treatment
Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of grosgrain
and elastic stockings for the treatment of lower limb lymphedema and
maintenance of the results. Method: Twenty-two consecutive patients who
made use of grosgrain stockings for the treatment of lower limb
lymphedema until normalization or near normalization of the limb,
followed by the use of elastic stockings for the maintenance of the
results. Evaluations were performed using volumetric analysis. This
study involved patients with bilateral primary lower limb lymphedema
located below the knee who used grosgrain stockings as monotherapy to
achieve normalization or near normalization of leg volume and then began
to use elastic compression stockings (30/40 mmHg) for the maintenance of
the results. Results: A significant reduction in volume occurred with
the use of the grosgrain stockings (p < 0.0001, paired t-test)
and a significant increase occurred with the use of elastic stockings (p
= 0.04). Grosgrain stockings are better than elastic stockings for the
reduction in lymphedema. Conclusion: Elastic stockings are useful in
maintaining the results, but must be combined with other forms of
therapy for the significant mobilization of macromolecules.