a feeling of heaviness in the area affected. tightness, stiffness or aching in the affected area. You might feel this before you develop any swelling. tingling feeling in the area.
Lymphedema can cause swelling of a toe or toes all the way to extreme swelling of one or both legs. Symptoms also include restricted movement and feeling heavy or tight along the whole leg. There can be leg pain and aching. There can also be fibrosis, or hardening and thickening of the skin.
If you have lymphedema, your arms, legs, feet and other areas of your body may look and feel swollen. Lymphedema can be painful and may affect your ability to manage daily activities.
The available data taken as a whole suggests that chronic use of ketoprofen might help reduce inflammation in the skin of lymphedema patients, and thereby reduce skin thickness and improve skin elasticity.
Sometimes, an injury or infection can lead to lymphedema or a lymphedema flare-up — especially if you have fewer lymph nodes as a result of breast cancer surgery. When we injure ourselves or get an infection, the body's tissues can get inflamed.
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.
Calendula, echinacea, and dandelion are just a few of the many herbs that promote lymphatic drainage, reduce any swelling and pain, and boost your immune system.
Researchers have now developed a new treatment using nanoparticles that can repair lymphatic vessel pumping. Traditionally, researchers in the field have tried to regrow lymphatic vessels, but repairing the pumping action is a unique approach.
Decreased physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue occurs frequently in patients with lower limb lymphedema.
Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
When to see a doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice persistent swelling in your arm or leg. If you've already been diagnosed with lymphedema, see your doctor if there is a sudden dramatic increase in the size of the involved limb.
People with stage 3 lymphedema — the most advanced stage — have visible swelling, and the affected area enlarges and becomes misshapen. There is also a higher risk of infection. The skin hardens and thickens so much there is no pitting, and lymph can leak through damaged tissue.
People with lymphedema may also experience shooting pains in different areas of the body. Numbness: You may experience a feeling of numbness in the affected areas of your body, whether it is in the limbs or elsewhere. The feeling may come and go. Achiness: Lymphedema can cause flu-like symptoms, such as body aches.
About lymphoedema
Other symptoms of lymphoedema can include an aching, heavy feeling in affected body parts and difficulty moving them. Lymphoedema can get worse if it's not treated, so you should speak to a doctor if you think you may have the condition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can have a special type of skin massage to reduce swelling from lymphoedema. It's called manual lymphatic drainage or MLD.
Your lymphatic system thrives on potassium-rich foods. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, bananas and seafood, like wild salmon, are some excellent choices to consider.