Elevate Affected Limbs Raising the affected limbs can help reduce swelling. Your doctor may recommend that you rest the affected arm on a pillow above the level of your heart or elevate your legs when you lie down.
The more the swelling and the longer there has been swelling, the longer and more frequently your need to elevate your legs. Start with 20 minutes twice a day. This might do the trick. If not, go to 30 minutes or even an hour.
In the early stages, elevating the limb can help to reduce swelling, but as lymphedema progresses, swelling no longer goes away with elevation. Other symptoms of lymphedema include: Feeling of heaviness or tightness.
Using low-stretch bandages to wrap the entire limb encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of the body. Compression garments. Close-fitting elastic sleeves or stockings can compress the arm or leg to encourage lymph fluid drainage.
Start at the top of your leg. Place one hand on the inside of your leg and one hand on the back of your leg, without straining your wrist, hand or arm. Gently stretch and release the skin from the inside of your leg towards the side of your leg and up towards your hip. Shift your hands lower on your leg and repeat.
Avoid trauma or injury to the affected area. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. No new tattoos in the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area.
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but you can control the swelling and keep it from getting worse. Getting to and staying at a healthy weight may make it better, but "water pills" usually won't. Specialized lymphedema therapists can also help you manage the condition.
Avoid skin infections, burns, and injuries
Your body responds to infection, burn, or injury to the skin by sending extra fluid and white blood cells to the area. If lymph nodes and vessels are missing or damaged, it's harder for your body to move this extra fluid, which can trigger or worsen lymphedema.
Lymphedema can develop soon after surgery or months or years later. Some mild swelling after surgery is normal. This swelling may last for up to 6 weeks. It's often temporary and will gradually go away.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling. using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn. wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected.
Spend 20-30 minutes with your legs elevated, then take a break and elevate them again later in the day. Repeat throughout the day: How frequently you should elevate your legs depends on the person. Try out 2-3 times per day for 20-30 minutes, and if the swelling is still there, repeat a few more times.
Does drinking water help with lymphedema? Absolutely! Because the body is more prone to hold onto excess liquid when it feels dehydrated, drinking enough water is especially important for those with lymphedema so they can maintain a healthy fluid and chemical balance.
Exercise and keeping active. Exercise is important for managing lymphoedema, because of the following reasons: It works your muscles, which increases the flow of lymph fluid and helps move it away from the swollen area. It can help you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce lymphoedema swelling.
We're going to cut to the chase: sleeping with your legs and feet up is NOT dangerous. In fact, sleeping elevated is a smart move, for many reasons. Not only does sleeping with your legs elevated help with spinal alignment, it provides a whole host of other health and lifestyle benefits too.
Keep skin and nails clean and cared for to prevent infection: Use cream or lotion to keep the skin moist. Treat small cuts or breaks in skin with an antibacterial ointment. Avoid needle sticks of any type into the limb (arm or leg) with lymphedema.
Lymphedema can't be cured, but it can be managed. Any swelling should be checked by a healthcare provider right away. There's no way to know who will and won't get lymphedema, but there are things that can be done to help prevent it.
Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for treating lymphedema and consists of a decongestion phase, followed by a maintenance phase. There are several parts to both phases, and all are essential to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The early stages (stages 0 and 1) of lymphedema are often reversible, while the later stages (stages 2 and 3) tend not to respond as well to treatment. This is why it's very important to see your health care provider as soon as you notice any concerning symptoms.
Epsom salts work magic on the lymphatic system due to their high levels of Magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the temperature of the water, Epsom salt baths have been shown to stimulate lymph circulation in the body.
The lymphatic system requires water to flow properly. After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 litre of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.
Choose grilled or baked lean proteins, like fish or poultry, and use higher fat meat, like beef and pork, sparingly. Also consider low-sugar Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for versatile lean proteins. Choose carbs like sweet potatoes, beans, brown rice and oatmeal, which have fiber.