How to Take Care of Leg Lymphedema

Lymphedema is an excessive accumulation of lymph fluid under the skin that causes swelling. It often occurs in the legs and arms. Lymphedema may occur as a result of cancer, surgery, an infection or it may be an inherited condition. While lymphedema has no cure, you can take care of your leg lymphedema by following your doctor's advice and taking measures to reduce the swelling. Your doctor may recommend that you use only one or several methods to reduce the swelling.

Things You'll Need

• Bandages
• Compression garment
• Pneumatic compression

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Instructions

• 1

  Wrap the leg with bandaging. Bandaging the affected leg can encourage the movement of lymph fluid and prevent the accumulation of the fluid. Wrap the bandage tighter around the toes (but not tight enough to cut off blood circulation) and gradually make it looser as you wrap up the leg. If you have trouble with the wrapping technique, ask your doctor or therapist for help.

• 2

  Wear a compression garment. These are stockings that have a similar effect as bandaging; they help to increase the flow of lymph fluid. Wear compression garments when the swelling has already gone down. Your doctor can tell you if you need a custom-made compression garment, or where to obtain ready-made ones.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about pneumatic compression. This is a type of "sleeve" that you wear on your leg. It is hooked up to a pump that places pressure on the leg by inflating and deflating the sleeve. It can reduce swelling.

• 4

  Make an appointment with a massage therapist who is trained and experienced in giving manual lymph drainage (MLD) massage. This is a special type of massage that uses gentle strokes to move the lymph fluid accumulated in your leg to the nearest lymph node.

• 5

  Work with a physical therapist to focus on specific exercises for your leg that can increase the movement of lymph fluid. These physical therapy sessions use gentle exercises that focus on muscle contractions.

• 6

  Talk to your doctor about surgery. According to the National Cancer Institute, surgery is rarely used for lymphedema and it does not offer a cure. However, in severe cases, a surgeon may remove excess leg tissue to reduce swelling.