Lymphedema Management

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Lymphedema. The treatments focuses on reducing the swelling in the extremities and controlling the pain.  

Lymphedema treatments include: 

• Exercising: Light exercises in which you move your affected limb may encourage lymph fluid drainage and help prepare you for everyday tasks.
• Wrapping your arm or leg: Bandaging your entire limb encourages lymph fluid to flow back toward the trunk of your body.
• Massage: A special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of your arm or leg. (Avoid this treatment if you have a skin infection, blood clots or active disease in the involved lymph drainage areas)
• Pneumatic compression: A sleeve is worn over your affected arm or leg connected to a pump that intermittently inflates the sleeve, putting pressure on your limb and moving lymph fluid away from your fingers or toes.
• Compression garments: Long sleeves or stockings made to compress your arm or leg which encourage the flow of the lymph fluid out of the affected area. Wear a compression garment when exercising the affected limb for the most effective treatment.