Get Help for Uncomfortable
Symptoms of Lymphedema

Your arm hurts. It's red, swollen, achy and tight. And you're finding it more difficult to use your arm for normal everyday activities. If these symptoms sound familiar, you may have lymphedema.

This uncomfortable condition occurs when the lymphatic system -- our body's drainage system -- doesn't work the way it should. Some people have genetic abnormalities that cause lymphedema. Others develop this disorder when surgery, radiation, trauma, infection, tumors or other conditions injure the lymphatic system. For example, women who have lymph nodes removed during breast surgery are at risk of developing lymphedema in the arms. Men with prostate cancer, who have had lymph nodes removed, can develop lymphedema in the legs.

Symptoms of lymphedema can take years to develop. Those who are born with inherited or primary lymphedema usually don't notice symptoms until their adolescent years. Women who have breast surgery or those who suffer a lymphatic injury may not develop symptoms for 15 years or even longer.

In the early stages, lymphedema can be managed simply by elevating the affected limb. As the disease progresses, the tissues may harden, the texture of the tissues may change and the chance of developing an infection may increase. In its advanced stage, lymphedema can be painful, disabling and disfiguring.

Lymphedema Therapy Can Help
If you now have or if you are at risk for this condition, the certified lymphedema specialists at the Lymphedema Program at Wellington Regional Medical Center can help. They provide complete decongestive therapy (CDT) to help restore and optimize your lymphatic system and relieve your symptoms. CDT involves several types of treatment, including:

• Manual lymphatic drainage. This form of light massage helps move fluid from the end of your affected limb toward the center of your body.
• Compression therapy. Therapists may recommend wearing pressure garments on areas of the body that tend to swell.
• Skin care. Our lymphedema specialists can give you suggestions about how to keep your skin clean and moisturized and what you can do to protect your skin and help prevent infection.
• Decongestive exercises. Staff may instruct you to perform specialized exercises to help improve drainage of your lymphatic fluids.

Therapists at the Lymphedema Program will assess your condition and develop an individualized therapy program to help reduce swelling and other symptoms of lymphedema. The goal is to help you feel better and improve mobility in the affected limb so that you can resume the activities you enjoy.

For more information about the Lymphedema Program at Wellington, please call 561-798-8515.

Tips to Prevent or Help Minimize Symptoms of Lymphedema

• Avoid exposing the affected area to extreme temperatures.
• Wear gloves when you cook or garden.
• Clean the affected area daily, dry thoroughly and apply lotion.
• Use an electric razor when shaving.
• Use a thimble when sewing.
• Always wear shoes; don't go barefoot.
• Avoid crossing your legs when sitting.
• Don't use your affected arm to carry your purse or handbag.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Watch for signs of infection.

Wellington Regional Medical Center, 10101 Forest Hill Blvd. Wellington, FL 33414 (561) 798-8500