Lymphedema occurs when protein-rich fluid accumulates in tissues, causing swelling. Usually, this fluid is drained through the body’s lymphatic system, but damage to your lymph nodes causes lymphedema. You can also develop this problem as a result of any other issue that blocks the drainage of lymph fluid. Although Tamarac Lymphedema mostly affects the arms and legs, it can also occur in your neck, chest, abdomen, and genitals. Severe cases of lymphedema can increase your risk of infections, including sepsis, and result in a limited ability to move the affected limb. If you have lymphedema, your healthcare provider may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments.

Compression bandages and garments

Unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart, the lymphatic system has no central pump to move fluid to the lymph glands. Instead, massaging the effect of surrounding muscle facilitate fluid movement; this explains why exercise is important. If your limbs are swollen, your doctor may recommend wearing compression garments such as stockings, tights, sleeves, or gloves over the affected limbs to encourage lymph drainage.

Compression garments and exercise encourage fluid in swollen areas to move out of the affected limb. You can also fit compression garments after a massage to prevent fluid accumulation into the limb again. Velcro wraps are easy to apply; you can use them instead of compression garments and bandages.

Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage is a special massage usually carried by a specialist therapist. The specialized massage helps move accumulated fluid from swollen areas into working lymph nodes where it can be drained. Manual lymph drainage is unsuitable for people with blood clots, skin infections, or active cancer in the affected limb. Your therapist can also teach you simple massage techniques that your caregiver can use at home during the maintenance phase of treatment to alleviate the swelling. These techniques that you can use at home are called simple lymphatic drainage.

Movement and exercises

Your healthcare provider will help devise an exercise and movement plan to alleviate swelling by strengthening and stimulating muscles involved in lymph drainage. If you are overweight, these exercises and movements can also help you shed extra pounds and stay within a healthy weight. Usually, the care team tailors the exercise plan to your needs and ability. The exercise plan may involve gentle activities involving the whole body or specific limb exercises, including walking, cycling, or swimming.

Surgery

Although rare, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove swollen tissue or create new drainage routes. Your specialist may use three different surgical techniques to treat lymphedema. The first one is debulking, which involves removing sections of excess skin and underlying tissue. Your provider may also use liposuction to suck fat out of the tissue. The last procedure is lymphaticovenular anastomosis–restoring fluid flow around the affected section. After surgery, you may need to wear a compression garment on the affected limb for at least a year to keep the swelling down.

If you have swollen limbs, schedule an appointment with your Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, a PA doctor for diagnosis and treatment.