Access Australasian Lymphology Website

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With early intervention being the primary means of limiting the impact lymphoedema has on patients, a key aim of the month-long awareness campaign is to inform medical practitioners and those in the high risk groups of the early signs and symptoms to limit the progression of the disorder.

Lymphoedema is a chronic accumulation of protein rich fluid in any part of the body (limbs, trunk, breast, genitalia and head/neck). It is due to an imbalance between interstitial fluid production and transport of lymph fluids - A life threatening illness is replaced with a life-long distressing and debilitating condition.

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Causes of Lymphoedema

Any major damage to the lymphatic system causes a life-long risk of lymphoedema.

• Primary – due to a congenital malformation of the lymphatics

• Secondary – due to damage to lymph nodes (surgery/radiation), infection or trauma

• Mixed lymphoedema – combined with venous disease, immobility or lipoedema (abnormal deposition of fat tissue.

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Key risk factors

The stage, location and severity of lymphoedema, together with the individual circumstances of the patient, play a vital role in managing the condition. Key risk factors include:

• the extent of surgery, lymph node dissection and radiation treatment

• wounds, trauma, infection (cellulitis & fungal infections)

• increased body mass index (BMI) and immobility.

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Early signs and symptoms

Many conditions may cause similar symptoms however, if early warning signs are experienced, other possible causes of the swelling should be excluded.

Early warning signs of lymphoedema can be intermittent and may include:

• transient swelling of a limb or other region of the body after surgery, even if intermittent

• infection (due to lymph stasis) is often the first sign of a problem

• feelings of aching, heaviness, stiffness in the affected body part

• limitation of movement

• tightness or temperature changes to areas of the body clothing, jewellery or shoes may feel tighter

• swelling may be aggravated by heat, overuse, sustained positions and prolonged inactivity and more obvious at the end of the day

• permanent swelling of more than 3 months (pitting in early stages)

• usually asymmetrical, especially when affecting the upper limb

• Stemmer’s sign positive (unable to pinch the skin at the base of the second toe).

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Lymphoedema Leg Exercises. Lower Limb Extremity Exercises to draw fluid back into the Trunk for processing and Circulation. Gravity has a major affect on Lymphoedema accumulating in the Leg Regions. Elevated Leg Exercises can quickly move the Fluids back into the Trunk Region for normal processing and Circulation.

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