How to Manage Lymphedema

Feeling as though your clothes, rings or other jewelry are too tight.

A feeling of fullness in your arm or leg.

Less flexibility in your wrist, hand or ankle.

Heaviness and swelling of the chest area where the breast was removed.

Prop up your arm or leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep the limb above the level of your heart whenever you can.

Try to limit the use of a blood pressure cuff on your affected arm. If you are in the hospital, make sure that your nurse and other hospital staff knows about your condition.

If your leg is affected, try not to cross your legs when you sit. Don't sit in one position for longer than 30 minutes.

Keep your clothing loose around the limb that is affected. For example, don't wear shirts with elastic cuffs. Wear the right size pantyhose and stockings. Don't wear garters or knee-high or thigh high stockings.

Don't use heating pads on the area. And stay out of saunas and hot tubs. Heat may increase the blood flow and make swelling worse.

Be careful not to overuse your arm and leg right after surgery. But check with your doctor to see when it is okay to exercise that part of your body.

Follow your doctor's advice about what daily exercises you should do. Exercises can help drain the lymph fluid.

Ask your doctor how to treat any cuts, scratches, insect bites, or other injuries you may get.

Use sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin from sunburn and insect bites.

Protect your arm or leg from needle injections—no blood draws or shots, including chemotherapy. If you are in the hospital, make sure that your nurse and other hospital staff knows about your condition.

Wear gloves when you garden or do other activities that they lead to cuts on your fingers and hands.

Keep your feet clean, and wear clean socks or stockings everyday.

Don’t walk barefoot, especially outside.

Check your feet often for cuts, blisters or signs of infection.

Take good care of your skin and nails. Use a mild soap that has a moisturizer, or use a moisturizer separately. Skin that is dry and cracked can get infected. Be careful when you clip your nails. Don’t cut your cuticles.

Use an electric razor if you shave your arm or leg that is affected.

Call your doctor at the first sign of a rash or inflammation on your arm or leg.

Follow your doctor’s advice about wearing a special bandage or compression garment. These specially fitted stockings or sleeves are designed to help keep fluid from pooling in the arm or leg.