Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissues that causes swelling, most often in the legs and arms, and occasionally in other parts of the body. Lymphedema can develop when lymphatic vessels are missing, removed, impaired or damaged. Lymphedema should not be confused with the edema resulting from venous insufficiency, which is not lymphedema. However, untreated venous insufficiency can progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder that is treated in the same way as lymphedema. This condition can be present at birth, develop later in life, or occur as a result of surgery, radiation, infection or trauma.

Risk factors for the development of Lymphedema/Venous- Lymphatic Disorder

• History of venous or arterial disease
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• More prevalent in women

Causes of Lymphedema/Venous-Lymphatic Disorder

• Impaired flow of lymph from an extremity from blocked, scarred or absent lumph glands or channels
• Untreated venous insufficiency in its most severe state

Signs and symptoms of Lymphedema/Venous-Lymphatic Disorder

• Persistent swelling
• Pitting swelling, when pressed by fingertips, the indented area remains
• Spongy consistency to swelling that goes down, but does not go away overnight
• Very large limbs, with irreversible swelling
• Skin breakdown and chronic infections in swollen limbs
• Thick, fibrotic skin

Diagnosis of Lymphedema/Venous-Lymphatic Disorder

• Blood tests
• Physical examination
• Presence of painless swelling of one or both lower extremities
• Presence of pitting swelling in extremity changing over time to brawny and non-pitting swelling

Treatment for Lymphedema/Venous-Lymphatic Disorder

Treatment is often not very satisfying for patients and is of a chronic, long-term-even life-long nature. There is no cure, but the condition can be managed with appropriate regular measures.

• Manual drainage, through a pneumatic sequential compression pump and/or massage
• Proper skin care to avoid cellulitis and infections
• Compression garments, such as prescription support hose worn faithfully while out of bed
• Antibiotics as indicated
• Elevation of extremities, especially during sleep