What are the causes of lymphedema?

Condition analysis:
Lymphedema may occur early in life as a congenital condition, manifesting itself soon after birth. However, the condition usually arises as a result of a lumpectomy or mastectomy, and generally in combination with axillary node dissection. Lymphedema can occur immediately following surgery, within a few months, a couple of years, or 20 years or more after cancer therapy. In addition, lymphedema can be caused by trauma or infection involving the lymphatic system.

Instructions:
Exercises:
Light exercises involving movement of the affected limb can help to drain the lymphatic fluid out of the limb and reduce the swelling. These exercises are not strenuous and focus on the gentle expansion and contraction of the arm or leg muscles. Your doctor or therapist will show you which exercises can help.

Bandaging the Affected Limb:
Bandaging the entire limb will encourage the lymphatic fluid to flow out of the affected limb, back towards the torso. The bandages should be tied tightest around the fingers or toes and more loosely as you proceed further up the limb. Your doctor or therapist can show you the correct way to wrap the limb.

Massage:
Manual lymph drainage is a special massage technique that can drain the lymphatic liquid out of the affected arm or leg. It involves the use of special hand strokes on the affected limb that gently moves the lymphatic fluid towards healthy lymph nodes where it can drain. This technique is not used in cases of skin infection, cancer, blood clots or congestive heart failure. It should also not be used on parts of the body that have received radiation therapy.