What Is Lymphoedema?

Understanding Persistent Swelling & Lymphatic Dysfunction

Lymphoedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is unable to adequately transport lymphatic fluid away from the tissues.

This can cause persistent swelling, most commonly affecting an arm or leg, although other areas of the body can also be affected.

Lymphoedema is different from everyday fluid retention.

It is a chronic lymphatic condition that can require ongoing management and, where appropriate, care from a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

At Embody, my role is to provide appropriate lymphatic support within my scope of practice, while recognising when medical assessment or additional care is needed.

What Happens In Lymphoedema?

Your lymphatic system normally collects excess fluid and proteins from your tissues and returns them to your circulation.

When lymphatic transport is impaired, the system may no longer be able to keep up with the amount of fluid entering the tissues.

Over time, this can lead to swelling.

In longer-standing lymphoedema, changes can also occur within the tissues themselves, including increased firmness and changes in the skin and connective tissue.

This is why early recognition and appropriate management can be important.

What Can Cause Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema can broadly be classified as primary or secondary.

PRIMARY LYMPHOEDEMA

Primary lymphoedema occurs because of differences in the development or function of the lymphatic system.

It can appear at different stages of life and may not become noticeable until later.

SECONDARY LYMPHOEDEMA

Secondary lymphoedema develops when an otherwise functioning lymphatic system is damaged, disrupted or overwhelmed.

Possible causes include:

  • Lymph node surgery

  • Cancer treatment

  • Radiation therapy

  • Trauma or injury

  • Infection

  • Certain surgical procedures

  • Reduced lymphatic function associated with other conditions

Not every person who undergoes surgery or cancer treatment develops lymphoedema.

What Does Lymphoedema Feel Like?

Symptoms can vary considerably.

You may notice:

  • Persistent swelling

  • A feeling of heaviness

  • Tightness or fullness

  • Skin that feels stretched

  • Reduced movement because of swelling

  • Jewellery, watches or clothing becoming tighter

  • One limb appearing larger than the other

  • Changes in the texture or firmness of the tissues

Some people experience swelling before they develop other noticeable changes.

Is Lymphoedema The Same As Fluid Retention?

No.

Temporary fluid retention can occur for many reasons and often resolves as the underlying cause changes.

Lymphoedema involves impaired lymphatic transport and is a different clinical condition.

If you have unexplained or persistent swelling, it's important not to assume that it is simply “fluid retention” and try to treat it yourself.

An appropriate healthcare professional can help determine what may be causing it.

Lymphoedema & Lipoedema

These conditions are often confused, but they are not the same.

Lipoedema

Primarily involves abnormal adipose tissue distribution and is overwhelmingly seen in women. It commonly affects both sides of the body and typically spares the feet.

Lymphoedema

Involves impaired lymphatic transport and can cause persistent swelling. It may affect one or both sides of the body and can involve the feet.

They Can Occur Together

A person with lipoedema can develop secondary lymphatic dysfunction.

This is sometimes called lipo-lymphoedema.

This distinction matters because the appropriate assessment and management can be different.

How Is Lymphoedema Managed?

Lymphoedema management is often multidisciplinary.

Depending on the individual, management may include:

  • Compression

  • Exercise and movement

  • Skin care

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Self-management strategies

  • Education

  • Monitoring

  • Appropriate medical care

Compression is particularly important for many people with lymphoedema, and the appropriate garment should be selected and fitted by a suitably qualified professional.

MLD can be one component of care, but it isn't the entire treatment plan.

There is no single treatment that works for everyone.

Where Does Manual Lymphatic Drainage Fit In?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialised hands-on technique that uses gentle, rhythmic movements to support lymphatic fluid movement.

At Embody, MLD is performed using the Vodder Method®.

For an appropriately assessed client with lymphoedema, MLD may form part of supportive care.

However, treatment needs to be individualised.

If you have diagnosed lymphoedema, particularly if it is complex or changing, I may recommend working alongside your medical or lymphoedema healthcare team.

Why Compression Matters

Compression can help support fluid management by providing external pressure to the affected tissues.

However, compression isn't one-size-fits-all.

The type, pressure, size and style of garment need to be appropriate for the individual.

This is why I don't recommend simply purchasing a compression garment based on an online size chart when you have diagnosed lymphoedema.

A professional assessment and fitting can help ensure the garment is appropriate for you.

Movement & Lymphoedema

Movement is an important part of lymphatic health.

Muscle contractions help create forces that support lymphatic and venous fluid movement.

For people living with lymphoedema, appropriate exercise can be beneficial and does not necessarily need to be avoided because of swelling.

The most suitable activity depends on your individual health, mobility and circumstances.

If you're unsure what exercise is appropriate, seek guidance from your healthcare professional or appropriately qualified exercise practitioner.

Looking After Your Skin

When swelling is present, looking after the skin becomes particularly important.

Good skin care can help maintain the skin barrier and reduce the risk of complications.

Simple habits can include:

  • Keeping skin clean and moisturised

  • Checking the affected area regularly

  • Treating cuts or grazes appropriately

  • Protecting the skin from injury

  • Seeking medical attention if you notice signs of infection

If an area becomes suddenly red, hot, painful or significantly more swollen, seek medical advice promptly.

When Should You Seek Medical Assessment?

Persistent or unexplained swelling should be assessed.

It's particularly important to seek medical attention if swelling:

  • Appears suddenly

  • Is significantly different between limbs

  • Is accompanied by redness or heat

  • Is painful or rapidly worsening

  • Occurs with shortness of breath or chest pain

  • Develops without an obvious explanation

Not all swelling is lymphoedema.

Sometimes swelling can indicate another condition that needs medical attention.

Can Lymphoedema Be Cured?

Currently, lymphoedema is generally considered a chronic condition rather than something that can simply be cured with a single treatment.

However, effective management can make a significant difference to swelling, comfort, mobility and quality of life.

The earlier appropriate management begins, the more effectively many people can learn to manage their condition over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can MLD get rid of lymphoedema?

No. MLD doesn't cure lymphoedema. It may be used as one component of a broader lymphoedema management plan.

Do I need compression?

Compression is commonly used in lymphoedema management, but the appropriate garment depends on your individual presentation. Your healthcare team or qualified compression fitter can advise you.

Can I exercise with lymphoedema?

In many cases, yes. Appropriate movement and exercise can support overall health and fluid movement. Your exercise should be adapted to your individual circumstances.

Can lymphoedema go away on its own?

Persistent lymphoedema generally requires ongoing management rather than simply waiting for it to disappear.

Can lipoedema turn into lymphoedema?

Lipoedema itself is different from lymphoedema. However, some people with lipoedema can develop secondary lymphatic dysfunction, resulting in lipo-lymphoedema.

You Don't Have To Manage It Alone

Living with persistent swelling can be frustrating, particularly when you don't understand why it's happening.

A diagnosis can bring answers, but it can also bring a lot of questions.

What does this mean for my body?

What can I do?

Will the swelling get worse?

What treatment do I need?

The good news is that lymphoedema can be managed.

At Embody, I aim to provide gentle, informed lymphatic support while working within my scope and recognising when additional healthcare support is needed.

Understanding what's happening is the first step.

The next step is finding the right support for your body.