Impaired lymph drainage may cause long-term swelling of an arm or leg, heaviness and skin changes.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Redness, heat and pain in the swollen area
- High fever
- Rapidly spreading skin infection
- Sudden one-sided swelling requiring DVT exclusion
What is it?
The aim of treatment is to reduce swelling, prevent infections and preserve the function of the affected arm or leg.
Symptoms
- Arm or leg swelling
- Heaviness
- Thickened skin
- Reduced movement
- Repeated skin infections
- Clothes or shoes becoming tight
Causes & risk factors
- Lymph node surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Repeated infections
- Congenital lymphatic disorder
- Excess weight
- Trauma
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should not rely on one test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination and investigation results are interpreted together.
- Clinical examination
- Venous Doppler to exclude thrombosis
- Lymphatic imaging in selected cases
- Skin and infection assessment
- Oncology history
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient’s overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Complex decongestive therapy
- Compression
- Skin care
- Physiotherapy and lymph drainage
- Weight control
- Treatment of infection
How we help
Lymphedema is distinguished from venous swelling and thrombosis. A plan for compression, skin care and long-term follow-up is prepared.
When a procedure may be needed
Invasive procedures are not the main treatment, but additional vascular intervention may be considered if thrombosis, venous disease or another vascular cause is suspected.
Patient checklist
- Care for your skin daily
- Protect yourself from cuts and infection
- Use correctly sized compression garments
- Have sudden swelling evaluated for DVT
FAQ
Does lymphedema resolve completely?
It is usually a chronic condition that can be managed. The aim is to reduce swelling and prevent complications.
Can massage be performed?
Specialized lymphatic drainage should be planned by a professional and must not be performed when infection is present.
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