Lymphedema Services

In-Home Care for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the chronic swelling of extremities caused by excess fluid circulating through our lymph vessels. The result is that the flow of our lymphatic system becomes impaired. Often, lymphedema affects either our arms or legs, but sometimes both can be affected. Mild lymphedema can appear as weight gain whereas severe lymphedema can feel like crippling painful swelling. Lymphedema home care is essential for those that deal with this condition. Oftentimes, a certified lymphedema professional will be assigned to help a patient with lymphedema treatment at home.

Symptoms of lymphedema

• Aching pain in extremities such as arms or legs
• Unusual feeling of heaviness or fullness (lymphatic fluid retention)
• Edema
• Unusually tight skin

Once lymphedema progresses to an advanced stage, you may experience lymphedema symptoms such as:

• Discoloration
• Hyperplasia
• Papillomatosis

Treatment for lymphedema

Lymphedema typically does not require surgery and can be managed properly with lymphedema treatment at home, especially with the help of a trained healthcare lymphedema specialist. Here are some of the strategies at-home therapy treatment strategies caregivers can use to treat lymphedema in a patient and support lymphatic drainage:

• Bandaging
• Explaining how to properly use elastic compression garment sleeves or compression stockings
• Manual compression of the affected area for manual lymphatic drainage
• Exercises to aid in circulation of excess fluid and flexibility
• Assessing and treating possible skin infection to avoid sepsis