The main symptom of lymphoedema is swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body. It can be difficult to fit into clothes, and jewellery and watches can feel tight. At first, the swelling may come and go. It may get worse during the day and go down overnight.
Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. The faulty genes cause the parts of the lymphatic system responsible for draining fluid to not develop properly or not work as they should.
The symptoms of lymphedema can be sudden onset or appear over time. In addition to swelling or discomfort in the area of the blockage, symptoms of lymphedema include: Numbness or a tight feeling around the swollen area.
Lymphedema occurs as a result of a blockage in the lymphatic system. This is most often caused by a traumatic event, such as sports injuries or deep cuts and bruises, as an aftereffect of surgery or cancer treatment. More rarely, lymphedema can occur as birth defect or symptom of infection.
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.
Axillary or inguinal lymph node injury is the most significant risk factor for developing lymphedema. Trauma to the lymphatic vasculature must be severe to cause lymphedema.
Decreased physical function, dyspnea, and fatigue occurs frequently in patients with lower limb lymphedema. Nearly a third of patients with lower limb lymphedema experienced three of more physical symptoms,17 and these symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing, heat, and walking.
Stage 1: Mild Stage
In stage 1, fluid starts to collect in the affected area and causes swelling. You may notice that the affected area looks puffy. Elevating your limb will help the swelling to go away. The edema is soft and may leave an impression when you push on the skin, called 'pitting edema'.
The primary difference between lipedema vs lymphedema is that the former is characterized by an accumulation of fatty tissue in the affected areas, whereas lymphoedema is caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in these tissues. Lymphoedema occurs because of a blockage in your lymphatic system.
Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissues. It can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs. It develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.
Lymphedema is a problem that may occur after cancer surgery when lymph nodes are removed. Lymphedema can occur months or years after treatment. It's a chronic (ongoing) condition that has no cure.
Heavy achy feelings in your limbs. Tight sensations in one of the hands or feet. Noticeable swelling in your arm, leg, hand, or foot. Swelling in the limbs that goes down after a short period of time.
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a set of proteins circulating in blood whose levels accurately flag the presence of lymphedema.
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.
Contact your doctor or nurse if the affected arm or leg develops a rash; becomes red, blistered, painful, or warm to the touch; or if you get a fever (temperature greater than 100.4ºF or 38ºC). These symptoms could signal a possible infection that could cause the beginning or worsening of lymphedema.
Breast cancer-related lymphedema is a serious health complication affecting the quality of life and sleep quality.
STAGE III (elephantiasis)
The swelling is extreme, the skin is hardened and shows wart like growths.
Its main symptom is swelling of the arms or legs, but if left untreated, lymphedema can lead to severe discomfort and life-threatening infections. The swelling associated with the disease is caused by a failure of the lymphatic system, a lesser known part of the body's circulatory system.
Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn't working as well as it should, you may notice you're gaining weight or your legs are swollen.
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.
Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
Avoiding high salt foods and added salt is advisable for general health. Limiting processed foods is important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. A small number of studies have shown that altering the fat content of the diet may reduce lymphoedema swelling.