Swollen Legs and Arms? Learn How to Relieve Lymphedema Symptoms

Have you ever felt your legs or arms swell? It's normal for this to happen from time to time throughout your life.

However, there are people who complain about this condition very frequently, due to the discomfort it causes and how much it can affect their lives.

They then begin a search for an explanation and a solution capable of alleviating the symptoms of lymphedema and restoring well-being.

We have good news: today we're going to explain everything about this topic and show you how you can get rid of this problem.

What is Lymphedema and what symptoms does it cause?

This condition results from the accumulation of a liquid in the tissues – lymph.

And what is lymph?

It is the combination of water, fat, proteins and other metabolic degradation products that, under normal conditions, it is drained by the lymph nodes and returned to the blood in its purest state.

When this function does not work properly, lymph accumulates in the tissues, causing congestion and chronic edema, which are responsible for swelling.

Although it can occur in other parts of the body, it is most common in the arms and legs and manifests itself in different ways: almost imperceptible effect or change in volume that affects the quality of life and even the mobility of the limb in question.

In addition to swelling, lymphedema can also be responsible for the following conditions:

• Feeling tired and/or tense;
• Pain or discomfort;
• Limb with less flexibility and range of motion;
• Clothing, footwear or jewelry that is difficult to wear;
• Spacing or hardening of the skin (fibrosis);
• Rigid/hardened skin in the affected area.

What Causes Lymphedema?

In some situations, may be congenital. Sometimes, can be caused by problems with the development of the lymphatic vessels, such as Meige's or Milroy's disease, for example.

However, the most common is that it is an acquired condition, which damages the lymphatic system and, consequently, affects the normal functioning of the lymph nodes and their ability to drain lymph.

This can happen, for example, in cancer treatment situations (mainly of the breast or testicles), such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Furthermore, the onset of Lymphedema can be influenced by other factors such as:

• Aging;
• Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis;
• Burns;
• Surgery on the blood vessels in the area in question;
• Obesity.

How can you know if you have Lymphedema?

The best way is through diagnostic methods, which confirm or deny the condition, help to discover the causes and, subsequently, the best treatment for each case.

First, it is necessary to know the clinical history and perform a physical examination.

Afterwards, others can be requested. additional exams to complete the diagnosis as much as possible, namely:

• Echo-doppler;
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
• Computed Tomography;
• Lymphoscintigraphy.

Are There Treatments for Lymphedema?

This is the big question, given the constraints the problem creates. But you can rest assured.

There are therapies that reduce swelling and improve the use of the affected limb, restoring your previous quality of life.

In general, in addition to the drugs, the following methods are common:

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage: It decongests the limb and promotes the evacuation of fluid from the tissues where it accumulates. Note that this is not a simple spa massage, but rather a specific technique;
• External pumps or Pressotherapy: help the movement of lymph throughout the body;
• Specific exercises: improve the flow of the lymphatic system;
• Elastic containment: with a stocking or bandage, it promotes better blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

If you are wondering about the surgical methods, know that they are reserved for serious and very specific cases, where the condition takes on proportions that impede normal movement.

How to prevent its effects or appearance?

There are some measures you can include in your routine to prevent the onset of this condition and alleviate symptoms, such as:

• Wear comfortable clothing that is not too tight;
• Focus on a balanced diet;
• Avoid hair removal techniques that do not involve an electric shaver;
• Protect the skin from cuts, burns or scratches in the affected area (possible entry points for infections);
• Avoid overexerting the limb in question;
• Elevate the limb above the level of the heart when possible;
• Promote regular hygiene and hydration of the limb (especially after physical exercise);
• Avoid crossing your legs when sitting.

If there is a family history of lymphedema, these preventive measures should be even more common.

Invest in Medical Supervision for the sake of your Health

In addition to the inconvenience caused, If left untreated, these clinical conditions can become more severe, progressing to more serious conditions such as skin or lymphatic vessel infections.

Therefore, the best way to prevent worsening and reduce symptoms is to early treatment of lymphedema, which is only possible through a precise and accurate diagnosis carried out by doctors specializing in Vascular Surgery, such as those at Allure Clinic.

We are available to answer any questions you may have, preserving your health and an ideal quality of life as much as possible.