Expert Care, delivered with compassion
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a condition that results in tissue swelling due to the build-up of protein-rich fluid in one or more areas of the body. This happens when the lymphatic system, which normally helps drain fluid and waste, isn’t able to keep up with the body’s needs — meaning the demand for lymphatic drainage exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic circulation.
The swelling most often affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in other parts of the body. Lymphoedema may develop after cancer treatment, surgery, injury, or when the lymphatic system hasn’t developed properly. While it cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed
Classifications of Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is not the same for everyone, and it can be classified in a few different ways:
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Primary lymphoedema – this occurs when the lymphatic system has not developed properly. It may be present from birth, or it might appear later in life, sometimes during teenage years or adulthood.
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Secondary lymphoedema – this is the most common type and happens when the lymphatic system is damaged. This can be due to cancer treatment, surgery, infection, injury, or other health conditions.
Lymphoedema is also described by stages, which reflect how mild or advanced the swelling is. Early stages may only cause mild swelling that improves with rest, while later stages may involve more permanent swelling and changes to the skin.
Understanding the type and stage of lymphoedema helps guide the best treatment and management plan, so that swelling can be controlled, skin protected, and comfort improved.
Stages of Lymphoedema
What are the early warning signs?
The early warning signs of lymphoedema can be intermittent and may include:
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Transient swelling of a limb or other region of the body. Swelling may be aggravated by heat, overuse, sustained positions, inappropriate external compression, due to underwear or garments, prolonged activity, and can be more obvious by the end of the day.
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Feelings of aching, heaviness, stiffness in the affected body part.
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Decreased range of movement in the affected body part
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Tightness of the affected body part - clothing, jewellery or shoes may feel tighter
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Recurrent cellulitis
Left untreated, will lead to progressive swelling over time. However, can be reduced and managed with appropriate intervention. The stage, location and severity of the lymphoedema, together with individual circumstances of the client.
What management options are there?
Best practice management has a multidisciplinary approach and is provided by qualified lymphoedema therapists. The treatment method is conservative and in Australasia is termed Complex Lymphoedema therapy (CLT). Older alternative terminologies are Complex Physical Therapy (CPT) or Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT)
CLT consists of the following components
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage
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Bandaging and Compression Garments
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Exercise
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Education
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Skin Care
Treatment is individualised for each client and not all components of treatment may be necessary in all cases.
For more information about lymphoedema, check out the Australian Lymphology Association website be.