What is lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a chronic disease that can impact people of all ages, most commonly affecting the lower or upper extremities and typically just one side of the body. People can develop lymphedema in various ways such as the secondary effects of cancer treatments or, as in third world countries, through mosquito bites. Other forms are congenital in nature, being present at birth, or develop later in life. Physical therapy can provide effective treatment for lymphedema, helping patients reduce swelling and maintain swelling reduction in the affected body part/s. Patients are provided treatments that can include manual therapy techniques, exercises, skin care, and compression wraps/garments to ensure effective lifelong management of lymphedema.  Education, particularly in diligent self-management, is crucial to patients achieving long term success, as symptoms can often relapse if people fail to grasp the chronic nature of lymphedema and that at this point there is no cure for the disease.

Common symptom presentations usually include an asymmetrical appearance of swelling such as one leg appearing larger than the other and often a description of fullness or heaviness in the affected limb. Symptoms often progress through different stages varying in mild to severe if left untreated. Alternatively, symptoms of edema typically involving both legs or arms do not necessarily include lymphatic system involvement, yet these symptoms of swelling also respond ideally to complete decongestive therapy techniques performed by licensed physical therapists. If left untreated, complications often arise from lymphedema that include infections, decreased mobility, wound formation, hardening of the skin (fibrosis), and difficulty donning or doffing clothing or footwear. Early management is often most effective and speaking with your physician or physical therapist is a great place to start in determining if complete decongestive treatment is appropriate.

Nick Liming, is a certified lymphedema physical therapist at Monument Health Rehabilitation in Sturgis.