![]() The vascular experts at South Valley Vascular in Visalia, Porterville, and Hanford, California, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions of the blood vessels. Steps include protecting your legs from injuries, burns, or cuts, avoiding ice and heat, keeping your legs elevated, avoiding constricting clothing, and taking extra care with hygiene. Preventative steps, most specifically for cancer patients, are available. Risk factors for lymphedema are older age, obesity, and arthritis. Seeing a possible infection, especially on the skin, called cellulitis, could be a sign of lymphedema. It is more manageable if identified and treated early.Ĭontact your doctor immediately if you experience pain, new swelling, persistent swelling, or worsening swelling. Bacterial or viral illnesses are more difficult to fight.Ī cancer survivor could go years after the treatment before experiencing complications or effects from lymphedema. A weakened or entirely blocked lymphatic system can mean wounds are slower to heal. There can also be fibrosis, or hardening and thickening of the skin.Ī healthy lymphatic system delivers white blood cells and oxygen to an injured or infected area. Symptoms also include restricted movement and feeling heavy or tight along the whole leg. Lymphedema can cause swelling of a toe or toes all the way to extreme swelling of one or both legs. ![]() Why Lymphedema causes leg painīlockage in the lymphatic system leads to fluid buildup and swelling, most often in the arms and legs. Secondary lymphedema is more common than primary lymphedema, which occurs without an initial cause. Lymphedema caused by another disease or treatment, such as due to cancer, is called secondary lymphedema. Physical therapy, massage, and compression clothing are helping to reduce negative effects as well. Advancement in cancer treatment is leading to removing fewer lymph nodes in treatments. A tumor can also block or harm the lymph system. ![]() Lymphedema often results when lymph nodes are removed because of cancer, often breast cancer, surgery, or radiation. Other symptoms include feeling heavy, immobility, itching, fluid buildup, or inflammatory reactions. Lymphedema is a blockage in the lymph system that prevents lymph fluid from draining as it should. It’s about much more than the lymphatic system itself. So when your lymph system isn’t working as it is supposed to, it can lead to much bigger problems. It filters bacteria and waste out while transporting white blood cells and oxygen to fight infections and viruses. This system of nodes and vessels carries lymph fluid back and forth to your heart. Your lymph system is a vital part of your immune system and overall health.
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