Tips & Strategies for Managing and Treating Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition that has no real cure. The goal, then, is to manage and minimize symptoms, and to discourage the progression of the disease. Most people with lymphedema will have received at least some instruction in how to properly deal with their condition. If you think you may be experiencing undiagnosed lymphedema, be sure to contact your doctor and share your concerns.
In many cases, your physician will recommend a period of intensive therapy, during which you will receive Complete Decongestive Therapy. This may involve daily manual lymphatic drainage; a form of massage to help direct fluid out of tissues and back into the lymph vessels. Patients typically learn other aspects of self care, and are eventually dismissed to continue care at home.
Here are some tips and suggestions for taking matters into your own hands, and minimizing the effects of your condition. Be sure to carefully follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s).
Eat Right
A good diet can make a big difference in the level of inflammation in your body. We know, too, that obesity is a specific risk factor for lymphedema. Accordingly, if you are overweight or obese, losing weight can be a key step you can take to alleviate your symptoms.
Curtailing salt intake may be especially important for people with lymphedema. Excess dietary salt tends to encourage fluid retention. It’s also linked to high blood pressure among some individuals.
Exercise
Engaging in moderate exercises, as approved by your doctor, can help you maintain a healthful weight and boost cardiovascular health. Exercise can also boost confidence, while enhancing endurance, energy levels, and even body image.
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Proper Hydration
Drinking plenty of water is a good way to facilitate kidney function. Kidneys must work hard to remove excess fluids, proteins and other substances. Plenty of water helps “flush" the kidneys.
Comfort Control
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, hot baths or hot showers. Keeping your affected limb cool and comfortable helps prevent aggravating your condition. Similarly, wear comfortable clothing. While your compression wear is designed to assist your body in draining excess fluid, too-tight clothes, which bind in the wrong places, may actually impede drainage. Likewise, avoid wearing tight-fitting jewelry on affected limbs. Avoid temperature extremes in general, whether hot or cold.
Skincare
Taking care of your skin is more important than ever. Keep skin moisturized, the better to resist cracking, flaking or dryness that could provide a route for infection to take hold. Use an anti-fungal cream or powder to prevent or control athlete’s foot infections. Consider using a skin cream or lotion formulated especially for lymphedema patients.
Elevate
As often as conveniently possible, elevate your affected limb above your heart. This enables gravity to assist your body in draining lymph.
Comments
I have lymphedema in my right arm and breast
Cancer 6 yrs ago
I struggled at first bandaging and wearing sleeve and glove had cellulitis many times.
Last year l made a change got help to loose weight and lost 40 pounds
As you say eating right loosing weight really help reduce the swelling and l swim daily
Feeling so much better !!
Thank you so much for sharing your positive results with weight loss along with exercise and compression. I hope you have not had to experience cellulitis again as a result! Keep up the great work!
Low carbs and lots of time on the elliptical. I was able to wear boots for first tim(35yrs) since being diagnosed with primary lymphedema
Only thing that is working so far are the “Ready Wraps” been wearing them since October 2018. The leg calves have gone down in swelling from 24” to 17”. Only problem is the cost of buying another pair at $1,000 for 2 legs. Does anyone know where to get financial help. She has Medicare and Managed Long Teem Care Medicaid. Live in NY State.
Hi MaryAnn. It sounds like your mom is having great reduction results with the Ready Wraps. Is she under a therapists care right now? You can always apply to the Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund through the National Lymphedema Network (lymphnet.org), however, she needs to be under the care of a certified Lymphedema Therapist who will do the application for her. Let me know if you need assistance finding a therapist. Nortonschool.com has a therapist directory as well. Best of luck to you both!!
Thank you for sharing your moms positive results with her Ready Wraps. I am glad they are working for her. You can look into applying to the Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund through the National Lymphedema Network (lymphnet.org), but she needs to be under the care of a certified lymphedema therapist. Is she? If not, she should find one who can help her with the application process. Nortonschool.com has a therapist directory as well. Best of luck to you both!!
Thank you for sharing your moms success with her compression! Is she working with a certified Lymphedema therapist? If so , they can help her apply to the Marilyn Westbrook Garment fund through the National Lymphedema Network!! They are very easy to work with!! Best of luck to you!!
See my above comment!
We have a staff of Lymphatic Drainage Practitioners that offer Manual Lymphatic Drainage in the Washington, DC Metro area. We are happy to assist those in need.
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