What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is the collection of fluid, called lymph, in the tissues of the body, causing abnormal swelling. It mainly affects the arms and legs.
Lymph is a colourless fluid that normally drains back into the blood system via a network of small vessels and lymph nodes or “glands”. These nodes, situated in the groin and under the arms, filter the lymph and help the body fight infection.
Lymphoedema may occur when the system that carries lymph is interrupted or damaged.
Things that may interrupt or damage the lymphatic system:
- Surgery
- Cancer and its related treatment – g. surgery, radiotherapy
- Infection, severe injury, burns
- A congenital or hereditary abnormality.
NOT ALL LYMPHOEDEMA IS CANCER RELATED
What is the treatment for Lymphoedema?
If there is to be any reduction in swelling your commitment to a self-care programme is vital.
To reduce the risk of making the swelling worse, take special care not to injure your skin or introduce infection. Take extra care of your feet and toenails if you have leg swelling.
Gentle exercise will activate the muscles, which help pump the lymph out of the limb. Keeping the limb still or strenuous exercise will increase the swelling.
Simple lymph drainage is used to stimulate the drainage of lymph in the lymph vessels to other parts of the body.
Wearing a specially designed garment will reduce the collection of lymph in your limb and assist the muscle pump.