Lymphedema is fluid that builds up, usually in an arm or leg. It is often caused by surgery to remove lymph nodes during cancer treatment, especially Reference breast cancer Opens New Window surgery, which can cause fluid to build up in the arm. It also can be caused by injury from a broken bone or surgery to fix a broken bone. Some medicines also can cause lymphedema. Some people get it for unknown reasons.

The buildup of lymph fluid in an arm or leg can cause serious swelling and make it hard to use that limb. It also makes the limb more likely to get infected.

You need to work every day to help keep the fluid moving out of your arm or leg and to protect that arm or leg from injury and infection. Even a small infection can lead to serious lymphedema.

Lymphedema can occur a few days after surgery, radiation, or other injury, but it more often happens 1 to 2 years later. But it can also happen as many as 30 years later, so taking steps to prevent it or control it is a lifelong job.

Learn to recognize symptoms of lymphedema so that you can get treatment right away. Symptoms include:

• Feeling as though your clothes, rings, or other jewelry are too tight.
• A feeling of fullness in your arm or leg.
• Less flexibility in your wrist, hand, or ankle.

Do all you can to help keep the lymph fluid moving so that it doesn't collect in your arm or leg.

• Prop up your arm or leg on a pillow anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep the limb above the level of your heart whenever you can.
• Don't let anyone use a Reference blood pressure cuff Opens New Window on your affected arm. If you are in the hospital, make sure that your nurse and other hospital staff know about your condition.
• If your leg is affected, try not to cross your legs when you sit. Don't sit in one position longer than 30 minutes.
• Keep your clothing loose around the limb that is affected. For example, don't wear shirts with elastic cuffs. Wear the right size panty hose and stockings. Don't wear garters or knee-high or thigh-high stockings.
• Don't use heating pads on the area. And stay out of saunas and hot tubs. Heat may increase the blood flow and make swelling worse.
• Be careful not to overuse your arm or leg right after your surgery. But check with your doctor to see when it is okay to exercise that part of your body.
• Follow your doctor's advice about what daily exercises you should do. Exercises can help drain the lymph fluid.
• See a Reference physical therapist Opens New Window. He or she can teach you how to do special massages that can help move fluid out of your arm or leg. You also can learn what activities would be best for you.

Do all you can to protect your arm or leg from injury and infection.

• Ask your doctor how to treat any cuts, scratches, insect bites, or other injuries that you may get.
• Use sunscreen and insect repellent to protect your skin from sunburn and insect bites.
• Protect your arm or leg from needle injections—no blood draws or shots, including Reference chemotherapy Opens New Window. If you are in the hospital, make sure that your nurse and other hospital staff know about your condition.
• Wear gloves when you garden or do other activities that may lead to cuts on your fingers and hands. Use a thimble when you sew.
• Keep your feet clean, and wear clean socks or stockings every day.
• Don't walk barefoot, especially outside.
• Check your feet often for cuts, blisters, or signs of infection.
• Take good care of your skin and nails. Use a mild soap that has a moisturizer, or use a moisturizer separately. Skin that is dry and cracked can get infected. Be careful when you clip your nails. Don't cut your cuticles.
• Use an electric razor if you shave an arm or leg that is affected.
• Call your doctor at the first sign of a rash or inflammation on your arm or leg.

Follow your doctor's advice about wearing a special bandage or compression garment. These specially fitted stockings or sleeves are designed to help keep fluid from pooling in the leg or arm.

Now that you have read this information, you are ready to start working on preventing or managing lymphedema every day.

Talk with your doctor

If you have questions about this information, take it with you and discuss it with your doctor. You may want to mark areas or make notes in the margins where you have questions.

If you would like more information on lymphedema, the following resources are available:

Organizations