About this topic
Lymphedema is a large buildup of lymph fluid in your body. It most often happens in a limb, like your arm or leg. It may also occur in the breast, trunk, head, neck, or genitals. Lymphedema can be a very serious condition. By learning more about lymphedema you may: ‚
- Lower your chances of getting lymphedema
- Keep your lymphedema from getting worse
- Lower your chances of getting an infection like cellulitis
Your lymph system is made of tiny lymph vessels, lymph nodes, and organs such as the tonsils and spleen. This system helps get rid of extra fluid and cell waste from parts of the body. Lymphedema sometimes happens when your lymph system is damaged or blocked. This may happen because of cancer, surgery, or radiation treatments. Damage to lymph nodes can cause problems with the lymph system. In rare cases, you may be born with a problem with your lymph system. ‚
In most cases, your lymph fluid moves freely in the lymph system. The lymph fluid moves from your tissues and organs back to the large veins by your heart. If there is a problem with any part of the lymph system, the lymph fluid will back up from that point. Then, the part of your body beyond the problem area will swell. The extra fluid lessens the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are able to get to your skin in that area. This can keep a wound from being able to heal. It also lets germs to grow and raises your chances of a skin infection called cellulitis. ‚
Signs of lymphedema may include: ‚
- Swelling in arm, hand, leg, or foot
- Heavy feeling in the arm or leg
- Skin feels tight
- Not able to move an affected joint, like the knee or elbow, as well
- Arm, hand, leg, or foot feels numb or tingly
- Problem with how clothes fit in one area
- Ring, watch, bracelet, or shoes feeling tight
General
Each person with lymphedema is unique. Some of these things may work for you. Others may not. Always talk to your doctor about the best ways to lower your risk of lymphedema. ‚
- Have routine check-ups. This is very important if you have lymphedema or are at a high risk for lymphedema. Your doctor may send you to a lymphedema expert.
- Take extra care with your affected arm or leg.
- Try to avoid scratches, punctures, and falls. Use gloves during any risky activity such as gardening, housework, or moving furniture.
- Clean any breaks in your skin with soap and water. Then, use an antibacterial ointment or cream.
- Take extra care when trimming nails on your affected arm or leg.
- If you have lymphedema in your leg, think about having your nails cut by a foot doctor.
- Be careful when having a manicure. Make sure tools are clean and avoid cutting cuticles.
- Check your affected arm or leg with care each day. Measure your affected arm or leg on a routine basis and keep track of the amounts.
- Wear loose clothing on the affected arm or leg.
- Keep yourself at a healthy weight. The higher your weight, the higher your risk for lymphedema.
- Watch the amount of salt in your diet.
- Avoid being outside if it is very hot or very cold.
- Avoid doing fast or repeated movements with the arm or leg that is affected with lymphedema. Also, do not lift heavy objects over 15 pounds with the arm or leg.
- Try not to sit or stand for a long stretch of time if you have lymphedema in your leg.
- Ask your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you.
- Talk to your doctor about compression garments to control swelling. Wear them as ordered by your doctor. It is important to wear them when you exercise or travel in an airplane.
- At the hospital or doctors office:
- Try to limit blood pressure checks or needles in your affected arm or leg.
- Tell your surgeon if you must have surgery on the affected arm or leg.
Will there be any other care needed?
Talk to your doctor about finding a lymphedema expert in your area. The expert can help you to get special stockings for your arm or leg, or find physical therapy for exercise and massage of your arm or leg. This can help to lessen the lymphedema and make the flow of the lymph fluid better. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal, or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, blisters, or warmth around the arm or leg; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from a wound.
- If your arm or leg:
- Is a different size, color, or temperature
- Has a different sensation
- Has a change in the skin condition
Where can I learn more?
Lymphedema Association of Ontario ‚
http://www.lymphontario.ca/risk-reduction.html ‚
Macmillan Cancer Support ‚
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Symptomssideeffects/Lymphoedema/reducingrisk.aspx ‚
National Lymphedema Network ‚
http://www.lymphnet.org/le-faqs/what-is-lymphedema ‚
http://www.lymphnet.org/le-faqs/what-is-lymphedema/signs-and-symptoms ‚
http://www.lymphnet.org/resources/position-paper-lymphedema-risk-reduction-practices ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚