Lymphedema

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of your body, usually in an arm or leg. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes that run through your body. Lymph vessels collect a fluid that is made up of protein, water, fats, and wastes from the cells of the body. Lymph vessels carry this fluid to your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter waste materials and foreign products, and then return the fluid to your blood. If your vessels or nodes become damaged or are missing, the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the system. The fluids can then build up and cause swelling in the affected arms or legs.

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Types of Lymphedema

  • Inherited lymphedema, or primary lymphedema, in which you are born lacking lymph vessels and nodes. The swelling usually appears during your adolescence and affects your foot or calf. A rare form of primary lymphedema develops in infancy and is called Milroy’s disease.
  • Acquired lymphedema or secondary lymphedema, in which an injury to your lymphatic system causes lymphedema. It is much more common than primary lymphedema.

Some people develop chronic lymphedema, which can last for the rest of your life. Chronic lymphedema can be a difficult form of lymphedema to treat. Swollen limbs become vulnerable to infection. Any kind of injury to the skin, such as a cut, scratch, insect bite, or even athlete’s foot between your toes can cause a severe infection, which physicians call lymphangitis. Lymphangitis affects the connective tissue under your skin.

Repeated infections can cause scarring that makes the tissue vulnerable to more swelling and infection. This leads to the tissue hardening, called fibrosis, which is characteristic of advanced chronic lymphedema.

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How is Lymphedema treated? 

If you are at risk for developing lymphedema, you can act to prevent it. If you have mild lymphedema, you can act to keep the condition from worsening. You can take the following precautions to prevent or minimize symptoms:

  • Clean your affected limb regularly. Remember to dry it thoroughly and apply lotion
  • Wear gloves while gardening and cooking
  • Shave with an electric razor
  • Don't go barefoot
  • Do not cross your legs when you sit
  • Do not carry a handbag with your affected arm

In addition, if you are at risk for lymphedema, avoid having injections and blood pressure readings performed on your affected limb. You can also wear a special bracelet or necklace to notify medical personnel of your risk for lymphedema and the risk for complications, such as infection.

There is not complete agreement among physicians about how to best treat chronic lymphedema. Some people have benefited from manual lymphatic drainage. This treatment uses massage to stimulate your weakened lymphatic system. Other treatment methods include special exercises that you can do while wearing compression stockings or bandages, and the use of external pumps to aid the movement of fluid through your body. A treatment that combines these treatments with lifestyle changes is called complex decongestive therapy. Learn about lymphedema therapy at CHRISTUS Health.

Medication

Medication cannot cure lymphedema. However, your physician may prescribe medications to treat associated conditions. For example, antibiotics play an important role in combating infections that can worsen lymphedema.

Surgery

Your physician may recommend surgery to remove excess tissue if your limb becomes so large and heavy that it interferes with your ability to move it. Your physician might also recommend the use of compression stockings.

Symptoms of Lymphedema 

You may not develop symptoms immediately. Sometimes symptoms occur 15 or more years following an injury to your lymphatic system. When symptoms occur, they can include:

  • Aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs
  • Less flexibility in your wrist or ankle
  • Tight-fitting rings or shoes
    What causes Lymphedema? 
    The most common causes of secondary lymphedema are surgery or radiation treatment for certain types of cancer, such as breast and testicular cancers. Other causes of lymphedema include surgery on the blood vessels in your limbs, other surgical procedures like liposuction, and burns.
    What tests will I need? 

    First your physician asks you questions about your general health, medical history, and symptoms. In addition, your physician conducts a physical exam. Together these are known as a patient history and exam. Your physician may also measure your affected limbs.

    To confirm a diagnosis of lymphedema, your physician may order tests, including one or more of the following:

    • Lymphoscintigraphy, which uses a low-dose injected radioactive substance to trace the flow of lymph fluid through your lymphatic vessels
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which uses radiowaves and magnetic fields to detect patterns in your internal tissues that are characteristic of lymphedema
    • Computed tomography (CT) scanning, which creates images of your internal tissues from a series of cross-sectional x-ray
    • Duplex ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves and Doppler technology to show vessels and real-time blood flow on a screen to rule out a blood clot in your leg
    • Lymphangiography, which uses contrast (dye) directly injected into the lymphatic vessels, is now used less frequently
    When should I speak to my doctor about a referral to physical therapy for Lymphedema treatment? 
    • If you have had lymph nodes removed in any part of the body; radiation or injury to any lymph nodes.
    • If you have evident fluid accumulation or a feeling of "fullness" or heaviness in the area.
    • If you have lost motion, strength, function or have pain as a result of cancer treatment or trauma to the lymphatic system.
    • If you plan to fly and have had lymph nodes removed or damaged. A compression garment is advised to reduce the risk of developing lymphedema.
    • If you have had a severe injury or surgery and have chronic swelling past the expected time for this to resolve.
    • If you are in doubt...ask for an evaluation and we can determine if there are treatment options or education that can benefit you!

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