What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling when the lymphatic system cannot properly drain lymph fluid. It most often affects the arms or legs and may develop after cancer treatment, surgery, radiation, injury, infection, or chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency is the most common cause of secondary lymphedema in the lower extremities and is a condition frequently associated with the lymphedema cases we treat.
An estimated 140 to 250 million people worldwide live with lymphedema, making it one of the most common chronic conditions affecting the lymphatic system. Despite how common it is, many people do not receive treatment until swelling becomes severe or wounds develop.
Without treatment, lymphedema can damage the skin, increase the risk of infection, and make even small wounds difficult to heal. Compression therapy is an important part of managing lymphedema and helping control swelling. The Lymphedema Treatment Act, enacted in 2024, expanded Medicare coverage for certain medically necessary compression garments and supplies prescribed by a healthcare provider. This legislation is an important step toward improving access to the compression treatment many patients need to manage their condition.
Lymphedema Symptoms
Recognizing lymphedema symptoms early can help prevent serious complications.
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling in an arm or leg
- A feeling of heaviness or tightness
- Skin that feels firm or thick
- Reduced flexibility
- Aching or discomfort
- Frequent skin infections
- Slow-healing cuts, blisters, or wounds
As swelling continues, the skin becomes stretched and fragile. This makes it easier for cracks, ulcers, and infections to develop.
Why Lymphedema Wound Care Is Important
Lymphedema does more than cause swelling; it can make wounds much harder to heal. Excess fluid in the tissues reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin, slowing the body’s natural healing process. At the same time, bacteria can more easily enter through small cracks or open sores, increasing the risk of infection.
Specialized lymphedema wound care focuses on treating both the wound and the underlying swelling. Addressing only the wound often isn’t enough. Reducing swelling helps improve circulation, protect healthy tissue, and create the best environment for healing.
Depending on your condition, treatment may include compression therapy, advanced wound dressings, debridement to remove damaged tissue, infection management, and ongoing monitoring by wound care specialists.
Managing Lymphedema
Managing lymphedema often involves more than wound care alone. Many people benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan that may include compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, specialized exercise, and guidance from certified lymphedema therapists or other specialists. These treatments help reduce swelling, protect the skin, and lower the risk of wounds developing.
Our wound care team works alongside your other healthcare providers to help ensure your lymphedema is managed while giving chronic wounds the specialized care they need to heal.
Caring for Lymphedema at Home
Along with following your treatment plan, daily habits can help protect your skin and reduce the risk of wounds.
You can help manage lymphedema by:
- Wearing compression garments as directed
- Keeping your skin clean and moisturized
- Checking your skin daily for cuts, blisters, or redness
- Protecting your skin from injury
- Staying active with provider-approved exercise
- Elevating the affected limb when possible
- Using lymphedema pumps (pneumatic compression device)
These steps can help reduce swelling and lower the risk of developing chronic wounds.
When Should You Seek Wound Care?
If you have lymphedema, do not wait until a wound becomes severe. Early treatment can help prevent infection and improve healing.
You should seek specialized lymphedema wound care if you have:
- A wound that has not improved within two weeks
- Redness, warmth, or drainage around a wound
- Increasing swelling or pain
- Recurrent skin infections
- Open sores or ulcers
- Swelling that continues to worsen despite home care
Expert Care for Lymphedema and Chronic Wounds
Living with lymphedema does not mean living with chronic wounds. Managing the underlying swelling with the help of the appropriate specialists, combined with early wound care when needed, can reduce complications and improve healing.
If you are experiencing lymphedema symptoms or have a wound that is not healing, our wound care specialists can work with you and your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan. Together, we focus on healing wounds, protecting your skin, reducing your risk of infection, and helping you return to everyday life with greater comfort and confidence.