Understanding Lymphedema

What is lymphedema?
Swollen, heavy legs and limbs are a symptom of the lymphatic system disorder called lymphedema. Radiation therapy, breast cancer treatment, and lymphatic cancer are the three most common causes of lymphedema. Those who have this illness must manage it in order to avoid a reduction in their quality of life. Self-massage, compression gear, and drainage are examples of common remedies that can occasionally be expensive but are effective in lowering edema. However, there are simple, cost-effective strategies for managing lymphedema that can provide a great deal of relief.

What causes lymphedema, and why?
Surgery, trauma, radiotherapy, or infection can all cause minor and/or large lymphatic vessels to become injured.

Lymphedema results from the lymphatic system being destroyed, which prevents the remaining vessels from removing the fluid that has accumulated in the tissue.
The most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the West is cancer surgery, which includes lymph node excision, and/or radiation therapy.
Even after taking the necessary precautions, edema can occasionally appear months or even years after cancer treatment; in these cases, a medical professional should be consulted to rule out the growth of any new tumors.

Lymphedema’s typical warning signs and symptoms can include:

• Swelling in a bodily portion (such as your breast, chest, shoulder, arm, or leg)
• Skin changing in texture; appearing red or heated, or feeling tight or firm
• New localized pain, tingling, numbness, or other discomfort. The space could also feel weighty or crowded.
• Less flexibility or mobility in neighboring joints (such as your hand, wrist, or shoulder)
• Having problems getting into or buttoning your jeans or getting your arm into a jacket or sleeve
• Despite not gaining weight, your bracelets, watches, and/or necklaces feel tight.

When surgery or other treatments damage the arms or legs, lymphedema frequently occurs there, but it can also occur in other places of the body.
If lymphedema occurs following treatment for breast cancer, it may affect the arm closest to the operation as well as the breast, chest, and underarm.

Lymphedema may manifest as swelling of the abdomen, genitalia, or one or both legs following treatment for cancer of the abdomen (belly) or pelvis.
Lymphedema in the face and neck could result from the treatment of malignancies in the head and neck region.

What are the Stages of Lymphedema?

• Stage 0: Absence of edema, but mild symptoms such as heaviness or fullness in the affected area or tightness of the skin
• Stage 1: The affected area swells. The affected part, such as the arm or leg, has grown larger or more stiff. When the arm or leg is elevated, the swelling in the arm or leg decreases.
• Stage 2: Swelling that is worse than stage 1 and does not get better when the arm or leg is raised. Compared to stage 1, the impacted region is harder and bigger.
• Stage 3: Stage 2 edema is greatly increased. You may not be able to lift or move the arm or limb on your own due to the swelling.

The skin may become quite thick and dry. The swelling may result in fluid leakage from the skin or the formation of blisters.
The damaged area that is in a later stage, such as stage 2 or 3, is more susceptible to infection.
Stages 0 and 1 of lymphedema are frequently reversible, however stages 2 and 3 don’t always respond as well to treatment. This is why it’s crucial to consult a doctor as soon as you experience any unsettling symptoms.

Who is at risk for Lymphedema?

Your likelihood of developing lymphedema depends on a variety of variables, such as:

• A history of chronic (persistent) edema in the family
• The quantity, size, and location of lymph nodes that were removed or harmed during surgery
• The extent of your lymphatic system damage if you underwent radiation therapy or were injured
• The presence of persistent venous disease
• Having a history of cellulitis or other skin illnesses
• Inactivity and/or being overweight are additional risk factors.

A risk factor does not guarantee lymphedema development. However, it does indicate a larger danger for you. You actually have a lifetime risk for lymphedema if your lymphatic system is flawed or injured.

Any area of the body where the lymphatic system is obstructed can develop lymphedema. For instance, if lymph nodes were removed from the armpit to treat breast cancer, you can experience lymphedema on that side in the arm, chest, or back.

Who will experience lymphedema is not something we can foresee. Following therapy, your body can recover quickly and be able to control the lymph flow in the injured area. Or, the degree of your lymphatic system’s damage could combine with additional risk factors to cause lymphedema during treatment, or even years later.

How to lower the risk of developing Lymphedema:

These self-care suggestions will be helpful if you have lymphedema or are at risk for developing it:

• Exercise proper skin care. To prevent skin infections, keep your skin smooth, clean, and well-moisturized.
• Reduce the risk of infection. Treat any cuts, burns, splinters, scratches, or pinpricks right soon. Get help for skin issues like dermatitis, ingrown toenails, dermatitis, and fungal infections.
• Aim to prevent skin piercings. Avoid getting shots, blood work, or vaccinations on the side of your body where your lymphatic system may be harmed
• Regular moderate-paced exercise.
• Treat wounds properly to prevent swelling. Get medical attention for a sprain, fracture, burn, or other injury so that it can recover properly.
• Don’t spend a lot of time standing or sitting. This might encourage edema. It is very taxing on your system to sit cross-legged. Long periods of travel When on long flights (over 3 hours) or extensive travel that needs sitting for long periods of time, talk to your health care provider about strategies to take care of your lymphedema.
• Try to maintain a healthy body weight.
• Keep temperatures low.  By staying inside during the summer’s intense heat and humidity (preferably with air conditioning), avoiding hot tubs and saunas, and taking warm rather than hot baths and showers.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or tight clothing.  For instance, rings, watchbands, or garments with thick elastic (such tight sock tops) on the afflicted limb
• Breathe easily! Give yourself more time and take more breaks when you’re traveling or running your regular errands.

You may find it helpful to speak to Certified Lymphedema Physical Therapist at Sure Cure Wellness about your risk for lymphedema and ways to lower it.  You can reach out to us at 469-212-8888.