5 Ways to Do Lymphedema Self-Care at Home
Even though lymphedema is a chronic condition, implementing lymphedema self-care practices into your daily routine can help you significantly improve your symptoms.
After your lymphedema diagnosis, you may have been told that discomfort is now your new normal. This doesn't have to be the case. With proper lymphedema treatment at home, you can minimize discomfort and maximize your life.
What Is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs when there's a backup of lymph fluid in certain areas of your body. It leads to swelling in the legs, arms, and other parts of the body, which can interfere with daily activities and be highly uncomfortable.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema.
Primary Lymphedema: Primary lymphedema is a medical condition that occurs when someone is born with a problem in their lymphatic system, causing swelling in parts of their body.
Secondary Lymphedema: Secondary lymphedema happens when the lymphatic system gets damaged because of surgery, cancer treatment, radiation treatment, infection, or injury.
Researchers estimate that up to 250 million people worldwide have lymphedema. While there's no cure for the condition, there are effective ways to manage it to alleviate discomfort and live a fulfilling life.
Understanding Lymphedema Self-Care
Most people first work with a lymphedema therapist or a lymphedema specialist for initial treatment. You may have already worked with a specialist using complete decongestive therapy to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic circulation.
Once the complete decongestive therapy cycle is complete, it's important to transition to a lymphedema self-management routine.
Developing an effective lymphedema self-care routine is the best way to keep your lymphatic system healthy and minimize fluid buildup.
You will still probably see your lymphedema specialist regularly to check on your progress and evaluate your skin health. How often you need to see your healthcare provider depends on whether you have severe swelling or any flare-ups, but many people successfully manage lymphedema at home with self-care practices.
For more information on lymphedema self-care and treatment, you can watch my YouTube Video!
5 Tools for Lymphedema Treatment at Home
There are various lymphedema home treatments that you can use to keep your lymphatic system healthy and in check. In the following sections, you'll learn about the following lymphedema self-care tools and techniques:
Compression Therapy
Lymphedema Physical Exercise
Skin Care and Proper Hygiene
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Elevation for Swelling
This is not an exhaustive list. There are other tools available to manage lymphedema at home. You can learn more about them by downloading my FREE Lymphedema Self-Care and Treatment Guide or joining my comprehensive program Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab.
Most importantly, it's important to experiment and figure out a lymphedema self-care routine that works for your schedule and is enjoyable for you to do.
If you have to force yourself to follow through with your habits or spend multiple hours on them every day, then it's going to be hard to stay consistent. Remember that it's much better to do a little every day than a lot every once in a while 😊
1. Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is one of the most effective ways of treating lymphedema at home. It involves the use of specialized garments, bandages, or pneumatic devices to apply controlled pressure to the affected limb or area of your body.
How Compression Therapy Works
Your compression garment puts pressure on the affected area of your body to help the weakened or damaged lymphatic vessels move lymph fluid toward healthy lymph nodes for better drainage.
The compression should be gentle to help maintain lymph fluid balance, alleviate discomfort, and prevent developing lymphedema complications.
Types of Compression Garments
Compression garments come in various forms, including sleeves, stockings, gloves, and bandages.
They are designed to accommodate different areas of the body affected by lymphedema (for example, your arms, legs, or pelvis). You can get garments with different compression levels, ranging from mild to high, depending on how severe the swelling is.
Benefits of Compression Therapy
Reduced Swelling: Compression therapy helps with moving lymph fluid out of the affected area, which effectively lowers the swelling.
Improved Circulation: Controlled pressure helps stimulate blood circulation, which is great for tissue health and healing.
Pain Relief: Compression therapy can alleviate heaviness, tightness, and achiness, improving your overall comfort and mobility.
Prevention of Complications: Preventing fluid buildup and reducing swelling keeps your lymphatic system healthy and helps prevent lymphedema complications like skin infections and cellulitis.
Better Mobility: With regular use, compression garments can improve limb function and mobility, making it easier to stay active.
Choosing the Best Compression Garments
There are many compression garment brands and options available out there. The diversity is great, but finding the best option for you can also get overwhelming.
Browse my favorite lymphedema products and compression garments for useful recommendations!
Getting Started with Compression Therapy
The most important thing when it comes to compression therapy - and lymphedema treatment at home in general - is to stay consistent. Adhere to a regular schedule for optimal benefits and long-term management of lymphedema symptoms.
It's also important to follow manufacturer guidelines for washing and caring for your compression garments to keep them effective. Proper hygiene helps prevent skin irritation and extends the life of your garments.
2. Lymphedema Physical Exercise
Moderate exercise is a powerful lymphedema self-care habit that can help you reduce swelling, improve mobility, and feel stronger.
Physical movement stimulates lymphatic flow and muscle contractions, helping fluid flow through lymph nodes and lymph vessels. While it may feel counterintuitive to exercise with lymphedema, gentle and consistent physical activity can be highly beneficial!
Benefits of Exercise for Lymphedema Home Treatment
Improved Lymphatic Circulation: Regular physical activity stimulates lymphatic flow and circulation, helping to reduce fluid buildup and alleviate swelling in affected areas.
Muscle Pumping Action: Exercise encourages muscle contractions, which act as natural pumps and move lymph fluid through the lymph nodes and vessels.
Joint Mobility and Flexibility: Lymphedema can make you feel stiff and limit your range of motion, but physical exercise (especially stretching) can help you feel more flexible and comfortable.
Healthy Weight: A regular exercise program - especially when paired with a healthy diet - can help with weight management, increase lymph flow, and improve your quality of life.
Improved Mental Health: Exercise can boost your mood and reduce stress, which helps you stay more positive and resilient while living with lymphedema.
Integrating Physical Exercise into Your Daily Life
When it comes to lymphedema physical exercise, the most important thing is to do exercise that you enjoy.
Movement doesn't have to be complicated. Take regular walks, do yoga, try strength training or swimming - the most important thing is that it should feel good to move. When exercise brings you joy and fulfillment, it's much easier to stay consistent!
If you don't know where to start, you can try my exercises for leg swelling and arm and chest swelling or enroll in my comprehensive program Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab.
Remember to Increase Exercise Intensity Gradually!
It can be tempting to start exercising a lot right away, but high-impact activities can make lymphedema swelling worse or cause injury. For best results, start with low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity and duration as tolerated.
Pay attention to changes in swelling, discomfort, or fatigue during and after exercise. If symptoms worsen or persist, stop exercising and consult with your physical therapist.
3. Skin Care and Proper Hygiene
Lymphedema not only affects your lymph system but also poses risks to your skin and barrier function.
Chronic swelling can lead to skin changes such as thickening, hardening (fibrosis), and increased risk of infection. This is why building an effective skincare routine is important when living with lymphedema.
Essential Skin Care Practices for Lymphedema Self-Care
Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers and lukewarm water to wash your skin daily, paying close attention to swollen areas and skin folds. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing, as they can strip the skin of its natural oils and make the dryness and irritation worse.
Moisturize: Hydrate your skin regularly to prevent dryness and cracking, which can serve as entry points for bacteria and increase the risk of infection. You can buy a moisturizer at your local store or use a natural option like coconut oil!
Protect Your Skin: Minimize your risk of skin injury by wearing protective clothing, avoiding tight-fitting garments or accessories, and just generally protecting vulnerable areas of your skin from trauma.
Nail and Foot Care: Keep your trimmed short and smooth to reduce the risk of accidental scratches or cuts that can lead to infection. Try to avoid getting blisters and other common foot injuries!
Avoid Sunburn: Protect your skin from the sun with protective clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to keep your skin healthy.
You can learn more about skincare practices for lymphedema treatment in my YouTube Video!
4. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage-like technique that helps stimulate the natural flow of lymphatic fluid within the body.
To do MLD, you need to apply light pressure with your hand to brush and stretch your skin. I have a Lymphatic Drainage Routine Playlist on YouTube to help you learn more about Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques!
The Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for Lymphedema Management
Better Fluid Flow: MLD encourages stagnant lymphatic fluid to move toward functional lymph nodes, helping to reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
Stronger Immune System Function: MLD's manipulation of lymph vessels and nodes may help improve your body's ability to fight infections and stay healthy.
Scar Tissue Management: If you had surgery or radiation therapy (for example, for breast cancer treatment), MLD can help soften and mobilize scar tissue so that it heals better.
If you want to try Manual Lymphatic Drainage techniques as lymphedema home treatment, make sure your medical provider clears you first.
If you're looking for practical resources, try my Both Legs Manual Lymphatic Drainage Guide or Both Arms Manual Lymphatic Drainage Guide.
5. Elevation for Swelling
If you have leg or arm lymphedema, elevating them can help improve lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. When you elevate your limbs, gravity helps to move the excess fluid toward functional lymph nodes, promoting better circulation and alleviating discomfort.
Consistent elevation also helps lower the risk factors of complications such as cellulitis and bacterial infection of the skin because it minimizes stagnant fluid buildup in lymphedema-affected areas.
Incorporating Elevation into Your Lymphedema Self-Management Routine
Find the Right Position: You should raise your limbs above heart level using pillows, cushions, or special elevation devices.
Stay Consistent: As with all techniques for lymphedema self-care, consistency is key to getting the best results from elevation. Add regular elevation breaks throughout the day, aiming for short intervals.
Integrate with Other Lymphedema Treatments: Elevation produces the best results when you use it together with other techniques discussed in this article, such as compression therapy and physical exercise.
Building Your Lymphedema Self-Care Toolbox
Lymphedema self-care is a personal journey that requires patience and a willingness to experiment with different treatment options.
Lymphedema manifests differently in each person, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, there are different tools available to you that you can use to build a routine that works for you.
The most important thing is to stay positive and remember that life without swelling and limitations is possible. You may have been told that you have to accept your new normal after a lymphedema diagnosis, but that's not true.
There are self-care practices, techniques, and exercises that can improve your quality of life and help you get back to doing things you love.
What Triggers Lymphedema Flare-Ups?
Lymphedema is a chronic disease and it's possible to experience sudden flare-ups of swelling and discomfort in affected areas.
Flare-ups can be frustrating, but understanding potential triggers can help you be prepared and minimize their impact with a self-care routine.
Some potential triggers for lymphedema flare-ups include:
Injury or Trauma: Cuts, burns, insect bites, or blunt force trauma can disrupt the flow of lymphatic fluid and increase swelling in affected areas.
Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections (for example, cellulitis) can cause inflammation and compromise lymphatic function, leading to flare-ups.
Surgery or Medical Procedures: Procedures like lymph node removal or radiation therapy can disrupt lymphatic flow and worsen existing symptoms.
Inactivity or Immobility: Lack of movement can decrease lymph circulation and contribute to fluid buildup, resulting in flare-ups.
Heat and Humidity: High temperatures and humidity levels can increase fluid retention, leading to more swelling.
Hormonal Changes: For some people, hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger flare-ups.
Stress: Feeling stressed or anxious can affect lymphatic function and fluid retention in some people.
Diet and Nutrition: Eating too many processed foods or foods high in sodium can contribute to fluid retention and lead to flare-ups.
Tight Clothes or Garments: Clothing or compression garments that are too restrictive can block lymphatic flow and make swelling worse.
Being on an Airplane: Traveling to high altitudes or air travel can affect fluid balance and circulation, potentially causing flare-ups.
The triggers above don't affect all people with lymphedema. Figuring out what your unique triggers are and developing a strong self-care routine can help you minimize flare-ups and feel more confident.
Lymphedema Self-Care FAQs
Does drinking more water help with lymphedema?
Drinking more water can potentially help with lymphedema management, but it's not a direct treatment of the condition. Adequate hydration is essential for most body functions and can indirectly positively influence your lymphatic system.
What is the most effective treatment for lymphedema?
Lymphedema manifests differently in different people and no one approach works well for everybody. The good news is that there are many treatment options available, including compression therapy, physical exercise, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It's important to build an at-home lymphedema management routine that works for your symptoms.
Are there any home remedies for lymphedema?
There are unfortunately no home remedies that can cure lymphedema, but there are several self-care practices that help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Compression garments, elevation, exercise, and skin care are just some examples of lymphedema home treatment options.
Can lymphedema go away with exercise?
Physical exercise is one of the best ways to manage lymphedema at home. While it can't cure lymphedema, building a consistent exercise routine can improve lymph flow, minimize swelling, and help you get back to doing things that you enjoy.
Managing Lymphedema with Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab
There are many resources, educational videos, and handouts on lymphedema home treatments available on the Internet. However, researching how to manage lymphedema can often become overwhelming.
This is why I created Lower Body Lymphedema Rehab, a comprehensive program that has all of the tools to help you feel your best in one place. Learn more about it!