Treatment may include compression bandages, massage, compression stockings, sequential pneumatic pumping, careful skin care and, rarely, surgery to remove swollen tissue or to create new drainage routes.
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.
Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area. Wear a compression sleeve or stocking, if ordered by your doctor. Compression sleeves for lymphedema need to fit correctly. An ill-fitting compression sleeve may make lymphedema worse.
There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.
Physical activity encourages fluid to drain into the lymphatic system in the abdomen. Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates and Tai chi all might help to encourage the lymph to move. Pelvic floor exercises may also help.
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.
On the contrary, foods such as salt, caffeine, omega 6 or 9, alcohol, and sweets exert the opposite effect [32, 49]. Thus, they should be avoided by patients with lymphedema.
What Causes Lymphedema? Lymphedema can be caused by cancer or by cancer treatment. Sometimes a cancerous tumor can get big enough to block the lymph system. Surgery to remove cancer may also remove lymph nodes or some of the vessels that carry the lymph fluid.
Stage 1 is early edema, which improves with limb elevation. Stage 2 represents pitting edema that does not resolve with elevation. Stage 3 describes fibroadipose deposition and skin changes.
Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
Avoid tight clothing
Wear loose clothing that doesn't leave marks on your body. You can wear a compression sleeve or stocking but talk to your health care team to make sure it fits correctly. The wrong fit can make lymphedema worse.
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.
Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels.
It's a chronic (ongoing) condition that has no cure. But steps can be taken to help keep it from starting, and to reduce or relieve symptoms. If left untreated, lymphedema can get worse. Getting treatment right away can lower your risk of infections and complications.
People with stage 2 lymphedema have visible swelling with pitting and a higher risk of infection. Elevating the affected area does not help. This means there is inflammation, hardening, or thickening of the tissue under the skin. As scarring of soft tissue under the skin worsens, pitting may disappear.
Lymphedema praecox: This is the most common type of primary lymphedema, accounting for 80% of people who have lymphedema. It generally develops in females between ages 9 and 25. Lymphedema tarda: This hereditary lymphedema occurs in adulthood, typically after age 35.
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.
Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that may be caused by cancer and cancer treatment. Lymphedema usually affects an arm or leg, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
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.
Inflammation is by far one of the most outwardly visible symptoms of lymphedema, and there is ample evidence that shows vitamin D deficiency contributes to higher levels of inflammation in the body. Therefore, vitamin D in your system, helps control inflammation.
Avoid diuretics (“water pills”), alcohol and caffeine.
Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema.