Lymphoedema
general information
What is lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a term used to describe tissue swelling due to an accumulation of fluid. It
mainly affects arms or legs but can also occur in the face and trunk.
What causes it?
Small blood vessels in your skin constantly leak fluid into the tissues to nourish them. This fluid
is collected by small lymph vessels which lie near the skin’s surface. From here the fluid moves
into deeper vessels through lymph nodes or glands, finally draining into the bloodstream at the
neck, eventually being passed out of the body in urine.
If part of the lymphatic system becomes damaged or blocked, fluid cannot drain effectively and
can build up, causing swelling.
The system can be damaged by infection, injury, surgery or radiotherapy. A blockage can be
due to scarring or disease.
Some people are born without sufficient lymphatics, so the system cannot work effectively.
Can it be treated?
The lymphatic system cannot be repaired, so any damage to it will be permanent.
Though lymphoedema cannot be cured, it can be controlled. The aim of treatment is to improve
fluid drainage, thereby reducing the swelling and keeping it under control.
Treatment involves one or more of the following:
•
Skin care
•
Compression sleeves or stockings
•
Exercise
•
Manual lymphatic drainage (a specialised form of massage)
(Some people may need a course of compression bandaging before a sleeve or stocking can
be fitted).
Lymphoedema is a long-term condition, so your arm or leg will always have a tendency to swell.
Most people who have lymphoedema will always need to wear a sleeve or stocking. Sometimes
a further course of compression bandaging may be needed.
Diuretics (water tablets) are not generally of benefit in lymphoedema.
What happens now?
An individual treatment regime will be planned for you. You will be seen regularly in the
Lymphoedema Clinic to assess the effectiveness of the regime. Once the swelling has reduced
and is stable you will continue to be seen on a regular basis, to monitor your condition and
provide replacement sleeves or stockings.
General advice
It is advisable not to wear tight clothing i.e. tight underclothes, as these may restrict fluid flow.
If your hand or arm is swollen, tight rings or bracelets may also restrict fluid flow. If your rings
begin to feel tight you are advised to remove them if possible.
If your foot is swollen, try not to wear shoes with high heels or that are low cut at the front as
these can allow the top of the foot to swell.
Swelling can increase in warmer weather so it is important that you wear your sleeve or
stocking at this time.
Long journeys by air, rail or road can also increase swelling because of long periods of
immobility. Always wear your sleeve or stocking and try to exercise every hour if possible muscle movement encourages fluid drainage. Swelling is more difficult to treat if you are
overweight. Keeping your weight under control appears to make it easier for fluid to drain.
Aches and pains
It is quite typical to experience some aches and pains with lymphoedema, such as a feeling of
tightness or heaviness in the limb. You may sometimes experience a deep ache in the muscles
of the limb.
The following are not usually caused by a swollen limb - numbness or tingling in the limb, sharp
shooting pains, burning sensation, extreme tenderness, weakness or loss of grip. If you
experience any of these it is advisable to consult your GP or hospital doctor. Also, if any part or
all of your swollen limb becomes hot, red, painful and more swollen and you feel generally
unwell as if you have flu - contact your GP as this may indicate an infection.
Useful contacts
Lymphoedema Support Network
St. Luke’s Crypt,
Sydney Street,
London
SW3 6NH
Telephone: 020 7351 4480
Fax: 020 7394 9809
Website: www.lymphoedema.org
If you have any problems or queries please contact
the Lymphoedema Clinic on 01332 786378.
Any external organisations and websites included here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Derby Hospitals NHS
Foundation Trust, nor does their inclusion constitute a recommendation.
Reference Code: P1123/0075/07.2012/VERISON7
© Copyright 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior
permission in writing from the Patient Information Service, Derby Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (P0628/05.2011/V6)