Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a condition that occurs due to a damaged or poorly functioning lymphatic system. Most commonly it occurs following the removal or biopsy of lymph nodes and radiation therapy.
However, you can also be born with conditions which lead to lymphoedema or have similar symptoms with conditions such as lipodema. Symptoms to look out for include:
- swelling
- redness
- sensation of heat in the limb or breast
- pitting of the skin when pressed with the thumb
Treatment for lymphoedema is not painful. It usually involves education, baseline measurements of the affected limb/limbs, teaching basic self massage and the physio performing “manual lymphatic drainage”. In certain circumstances bandaging may be required or you may be measured for a compression garment.
