What's Causing Your Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is not weight gain, but it can often appear so by making one or both of your limbs appear larger for no apparent reason. Old clothes no longer fit, or worse, one limb gets disproportionately bigger than the other, causing an asymmetry. The changes in appearance are caused by an accumulation of fluid when the body's lymphatic system experiences blockages. Fortunately, treatments are available to manage the condition.

If you or a loved one suspect you have lymphedema, read on as our experts at the Goldman Vein Institute — Alexander Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, and Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI — explain the causes of lymphedema and the treatments available to manage it.

Understanding lymphedema

Lymphedema is a medical term that describes swelling in your arms or legs due to fluid buildup. Unlike general swelling that might result from injury or weight fluctuations, lymphedema stems from blockages in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays an important role in immune function and fluid balance. When blockages occur, lymph fluid builds up.

It’s important to note that the changes in limb size are caused by fluid buildup and dieting or losing weight won’t impact it, as this isn’t a matter of weight gain.

Lymphedema symptoms

Aside from fluid buildup, you may also experience skin changes, aching, and limited mobility. Also, because fluid is what’s causing the change in appearance and not fat deposits, if you place your finger on the affected limb you may see an indentation, a phenomenon known as "pitting edema."

Causes and contributing factors

Lymphedema can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema is often linked to genetics, meaning that some people are born with a predisposition to develop blockages in their lymphatic system. 

Secondary lymphedema, on the other hand, arises as a consequence of an underlying illness, a treatment, or an injury. Common risk factors for secondary lymphedema include:

• Lymph node removal
• Infections
• Injury

Cancer patients who had their lymph nodes removed or damaged during treatment often experience lymph fluid buildup.

Infections and injuries can also disrupt the lymphatic flow and contribute to swelling. And lastly, being overweight or obese can raise the risk as well, as excess weight can put additional pressure on lymphatic vessels, obstructing the flow of fluids.

Lymphedema treatments

Lymphedema treatments focus on improving the circulation of lymph fluid and include:

• Compression sleeves
• Massage therapy
• Bandage wraps
• Strategic exercises

If applying pressure to move the fluid either via compression socks or massages doesn’t work, or if the symptoms are severe, there’s also the option for surgically removing the excess tissue or having a lymph node transplant to restore some level of normal drainage.

Treat your lymphedema with us 

Experiencing symptoms? Proactive management can make all the difference in preventing complications and improving your quality of life. 

Call or request an appointment online today at our Abacoa office in Jupiter, Florida, or our Wellington Mall location in Wellington, Florida, to learn what’s causing your lymphedema and what’s the best route towards treating it.