UNDERSTANDING LYMPHEDEMA 

First we need to understand Lymphedema, it's causes and treatment options.

Definition of Lymphedema
The term Lymphedema refers to swelling that occurs most often in the arms or legs. It can affect one arm or leg, or lymphedema can involve both arms and both legs. There is no cure for lymphedema. Lymphedema can be controlled. Treatment may include special lymphatic therapy message techniques, the Lymphstar-Pro, and compression garments. This involves diligent care of the affected limb. Swelling occurs when a blockage in the lymphatic system prevents the lymph fluid from draining adequately. As the fluid accumulates, the swelling will continue. Keep the limb clean, avoiding cuts, burns or scrapes and tight fitting clothes. This is an important part of treatment.

Causes of Lymphedema
The lymphatic system is important in keeping the body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout the body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. The lymphatic system carries these through the lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The waste is then filtered out by lymphocytes — infection-fighting cells that live in the lymph nodes — and ultimately flushed from the body. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels can not adequately drain lymph fluid from the arm or leg. The Lymphstar-Pro along with lymphatic therapy massage techniques and compression garments have proven to be an effective means to control the accumulation of lymph fluid. Lymphedema can be either primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema can occur on its own. Secondary lymphedema can be caused by another disease or condition.

Lymphedema Symptoms
Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling of an arm or leg. Swelling ranges from mild, only a slight change in the size of a limb, to extreme swelling that makes it impossible to use that arm or leg.

Lymphedema symptoms include:
Swelling of part of the arm or the entire arm or leg, including fingers or toes.  A restricted range of motion in the arm or leg.
1. A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the arm or leg
2. An aching or discomfort in the arm or leg
3. A hardening and thickening of the skin on the arm or leg
4. A restricted range of motion in the arm or leg

Causes of primary lymphedema
Primary lymphedema is rare. It can be an inherited condition caused by problems with the development of lymph vessels in the body. Primary lymphedema occurs most frequently in women and usually affects the legs, rather than the arms. Specific causes of primary lymphedema are listed below.

Milroy disease is an inherited disorder that begins in infancy and causes a malformation of the lymph nodes, leading to lymphedema. Meige disease is a hereditary disorder that causes lymphedema in childhood around puberty. It causes the lymph vessels to form without the valves that keep lymph fluid from flowing backwards. This condition makes it difficult for the body to drain the lymph fluid from the limbs. Late-onset lymphedema is rare and usually begins after age 35.

Causes of secondary lymphedema:
A Surgical procedure can cause lymphedema to develop if the lymph nodes or if the lymph vessels are removed, severed or damaged. Surgery for breast cancer can include the removal of one or more lymph nodes in the armpit in order to see if the cancer has spread. If the remaining lymph nodes and lymph vessels can not compensate for those that have been removed, lymphedema may develop in the arm. It is important to start lymphatic therapy as early as possible to prevent a build up and hardening of lymph fluid. The LymphStar-Pro is very effective in keeping the lymph fluid flowing from the lymphatic system.

Radiation treatment for cancer can cause scarring and inflammation of the lymph nodes or vessels and then restricting the flow of the lymph.

Cancer cells can cause lymphedema if they block lymphatic vessels. A tumor growing near a lymph node or vessel could grow large enough to obstruct the flow of lymph fluid.

Infection can invade the lymph vessels and lymph nodes. This restriction of the flow of lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.

Tests and diagnosis
Lymphedema in the arm or leg can lead to serious complications such as infections. Lymphedema makes the affected arm or leg vulnerable to infections, including cellulitis and lymphangitis.

Elephantiasis is a condition that occurs when the arm or leg becomes very hard with thickened skin so it is then difficult to move. Elephantiasis may make the skin on the arm or leg weak. This can lead to chronic ulcers and repeated infections. Early treatment with the LymphStar-Pro along with lymphatic therapy can help prevent this condition from developing.

Lymphangiosarcoma is a rare form of soft tissue cancer that can result from the most severe cases of untreated lymphedema.


Take precautions to reduce the risk of lymphedema. Burns, cuts, or scrapes can all cause infection, which can cause lymphedema. Elevate the arm or leg whenever possible. This will help with circulation and keep fluid from collecting in the lymph. If possible, avoid medical procedures, such as blood draws and vaccinations, in the affected limb. After cancer treatment, avoid heavy activity with that limb. Avoid strenuous activity until you have recovered from surgery or radiation. Avoid heat on the arm or leg. Don't apply heat, such as a heating pad, to the limb.

Stay away from tight clothing and anything else that could constrict the arms or leg. Ask that a blood pressure reading be taken in the opposite arm. Keep the arm or leg clean and dry. Check the skin on the arm or leg every day and keep an eye out for changes or breaks in the skin that could lead to infection.

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