Published:
December 15, 2021
Lymphedema, or swelling due to a build-up of lymphatic fluid in the body, is an uncomfortable and potentially serious condition commonly caused by cancer or
cancer treatment. Although lymphedema can cause long-term physical and psychological problems, early and careful management can help reduce the symptoms and keep it from getting worse.
What Causes Lymphedema?
People who have undergone radiation treatment or had lymph nodes removed during cancer surgery can experience lymphedema. The condition may appear any time after treatment—from a few months to many years. Some people are born with conditions that cause the lymph system to develop abnormally resulting in lymphedema. This is far less common.
Lymphatic fluid (a normally occurring fluid in the body) builds up because the lymphatic system isn’t working normally. To avoid more serious complications, talk to your health-care provider right aware if you notice symptoms of lymphedema:
- Swelling in the arm or leg on the side of treatment
- Fullness, heaviness or tightness in the limb on the side of treatment
- Less noticeable bony landmarks (like knuckles, wrist bones, ankle bones)
- Pitting of the skin when you apply pressure
- Tightness around rings, clothing, watchbands
How is Lymphedema Treated?
Although there is no cure for lymphedema or damage that has occurred, there are a variety of ways to control the swelling and keep other problems from developing, including physical therapy.
Lymphedema is treated with a combination of rehabilitation techniques to reduce the size of the limb and keep it from swelling again. For best results, these activities should be used in combination with each other:
- A light massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage helps move lymphatic fluid out of the swollen limb
- Compression bandaging using short-stretch bandaging, not ACE wraps, keeps fluid from coming back into the limb
- Good skin and nail care to prevent infection
- Careful, controlled exercise can help the lymph vessels move lymph out of the affected area and decrease swelling
Ultimately, long-term management of lymphedema includes a compression garment used during the day and either performing massage (taught by a physical therapist) or using a compression pump.
Some people may need overnight compression if their lymphatic system is severely compromised. Compression garments are never worn overnight, but alternatives are available.
Other Conditions that Benefit from Lymphedema Therapy
People with other conditions that have a side effect of swelling (including chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, congestive heart failure, other inflammatory conditions), can benefit from the same treatment regimen as lymphedema. Because these conditions affect the entire body, these patients need to be monitored more closely. Physical therapists may request special clearance from other health-care providers to help ensure safety during treatment.
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has locations throughout the region with more than 20 lymphedema therapists specializing in lymphedema management. If you or someone you know has swelling, talk with your physician about a physical therapy referral.