How do you get lymphedema

Leg lymphedema Open pop-up dialog box Close. Leg lymphedema Lymphedema is swelling in an arm or a leg. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Frontera WR, et al. Elsevier; Accessed May 19, Jameson JL, et al.

Chronic venous disease and lymphedema. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. McGraw Hill; Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Mehrara B. Clinical features and diagnosis of peripheral lymphedema. Mayo Clinic; National Cancer Institute.

Overview of the lymphatic system. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed May 25, It's a common cause of lymphoedema worldwide, but is not generally a risk in the UK. Medical conditions that cause tissue to become red and swollen can also permanently damage the lymphatic system.

This overwhelms and eventually exhausts the parts of the lymphatic system responsible for draining this fluid. People who are obese, particularly those who are severely obese, have an increased risk of developing swollen body parts. It's not clear exactly why this is, but it's been suggested that the extra fatty tissue affects the lymphatic channels in some way, reducing the flow of fluid through them.

Check if you are obese on the BMI calculator. In these cases, weight loss is an important part of treatment and even just starting to lose weight can make a big difference to the swelling. In a small number of cases, lymphoedema can be caused by an accidental injury to the lymphatic system.

For example, it can sometimes occur after a road traffic accident where there's extensive bruising or soft tissue loss. Movement and exercise help lymph drainage because muscle activity surrounding the lymphatic vessels massages fluid into and along them. Reduced movement can therefore lead to lymphoedema because the fluid in the lymphatic system does not get moved along. For example, people who have limited mobility for a long period of time as a result of an illness, nerve damage or arthritis may be at risk of lymphoedema.

Page last reviewed: 25 November Next review due: 25 November Primary lymphoedema Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations mutations in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system.

After your doctor makes a referral, someone will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, call the Rehabilitation Service at You can receive your lymphedema therapy at locations at several Memorial Sloan Kettering locations.

For more information, visit www. Klose Training www. Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy www. Academy of Lymphatic Studies www. Lymphatic Association of North America www. National Lymphedema Network Provides educational materials and community referrals. Lymphology Association of North America Provides educational materials and community referrals. Lymphatic Education and Research Network Provides educational materials and supports research on lymphedema.

Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers. We read every comment, but we're not able to respond. If you have questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider. For more resources, visit www. This information describes what you can do to reduce your risk of lymphedema of the legs. Back to top About Lymphedema Lymphedema is swelling that can develop in your legs after your lymph nodes have been removed or injured.

Lymphedema can develop soon after surgery or potentially years later. Infection in the affected leg. Having radiation therapy to the pelvis. Having cancer that comes back. Being inactive. Traveling in an airplane for long periods of time. Constricting your leg. This happens when you have a tight ring of pressure in one area of your leg and is often caused by wearing certain clothes such as a sock with a tight elastic.

Exposure to extreme temperatures. Protect your skin One way to reduce your risk of getting lymphedema is to protect your skin from getting hurt or infected as much as possible.

Care for cuts and scratches Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a first aid ointment to the area. Care for burns Wrap a cold pack in a towel and apply it to the burn for 15 minutes. You can also run cold water over the burn. Wash the area with soap and water. Cover it with a clean, dry gauze or a bandage. Watch for infections Look out for symptoms of infection in the affected leg s , which include: Redness Swelling Increased heat Tenderness If you have any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Avoid extreme temperatures Extreme heat and cold may cause fluid to build up in your leg and cause swelling. Use cuticle-removing cream and file your nails instead of cutting them. Moisturize your skin often to prevent chapping and chaffing. Keep the area between your toes clean and dry to prevent infections. Make sure your footwear fit you well to avoid blisters. Make sure any toe rings or ankle bracelets fit loosely.

Try to avoid crossing your legs as much as possible. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect your skin from sunburns. Try to maintain your ideal weight. Minimize your salt intake. Salt can cause swelling, which may overwhelm your lymphatic system.