Lymphoedema

Are you living with Lymphoedema?

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What is Lymphoedema?

This is swelling usually of the full arm or full leg caused by a blockage in the lymph vessels. Until something goes wrong most people don't know that lymph vessels exist... why would you?

But they do a very important job and when this stops for whatever reason you soon notice! The job of the lymph vessels is to move fluid from the tissues back to the circulatory system.

The fluid is moved along the vessels by the muscles around the vessels squeezing them as you move about.

So, for example, as you walk the muscles in your legs squeeze the lymph vessels in the legs and the lymph fluid passes up the vessels and into lymph nodes (lymph glands) in the groin.

The same happens in your arms but the lymph is drained into lymph nodes in your armpits. There are also lymph nodes in your neck.

If the lymphatic system is not working then fluid that is not been taken away from the tissues quickly accumulates and the area becomes swollen.

Lymphoedema in the legs usually starts with swollen feet and in the arms as swollen hands. Initially the limb may appear normal when you get out of bed because the limb has been rested all night but during the day the Lymphoedema accumulates.

If the Lymphoedema worsens, the swelling can change from a soft swelling that moves as you touch it, to a harder swelling that is very difficult or impossible to move. As the fluid continues to build up in the tissues the swelling moves further 'up' the limb.

In men, Lymphoedema can also affect the testicles. 

Lymphoedema can be a very difficult condition to live with, Howsme have experience managing the effects of Lymphoedema and reducing the impact it can have on your life.

Primary Lymphoedema

Happens when the lymphatic system is underdeveloped at birth and Lymphoedema may then develop at any time but usually happens to teenagers.

Secondary Lymphoedema

Happens as a result of something happening to the lymphatic system.

What causes Secondary Lymphoedema?

Anything that causes a physical blockage can prevent lymph being transported along the lymph vessels or through the lymph nodes and therefore result in Lymphoedema.

1. Injury or infection to the lymph vessel or nodes
2. Growth of cancer can block the vessel or node
3. Radiotherapy treatment to cancer may cause scarring that can block the lymph vessel.
4. Surgical removal of lymph nodes usually as part of treatment for cancer (for example the lymph nodes in the armpit maybe removed during breast surgery)
5. If the muscles around the lymph vessel are not working they may not squeeze the lymph along the vessels.
6. If the veins of the circulatory system don't work properly this can have a 'knock on' effect on the lymphatic system, causing overloading and therefore Lymphoedema.

What are the physical problems caused by Lymphoedema?

These will obviously depend upon the severity of the Lymphoedema. Lymphoedema of the legs can cause walking difficulties and may make it hard to get clothes and shoes to fit.

Poorly fitting shoes can make walking even trickier and can make feet sore. Lymphoedema of the arm can make even simple activities such as getting dressed much more difficult (especially if it affects your dominant hand!)

What are the psychological problems caused by Lymphoedema?

Any condition that can change your body image (how you body appears to you) can cause psychological problems.

How can Lymphoedema be managed?

Lymphoedema requires a medical diagnosis so you know exactly what is causing the Lymphoedema and then specialist treatment, which may include

1. Minimising and maintaining the swelling by wearing specially fitted compression garments
2. Gentle massage that can be taught to people with Lymphoedema or their carers to help move the swelling from the swollen area. it is sometimes referred to as 'simple lymphatic drainage' (SLD)
3. Carefully controlled programme of exercises to help the lymph to move along the vessels without causing any more swelling in the area.
4. Making sure that the skin is kept in good condition and that the skin is not exposed to situations that could cause infection or damage. People with Lymphoedema in the arm are encouraged to wear gloves in situation where their hands may be damaged, for example gardening and to always be very careful in the sun.

Updated: 15th September 2009