Lymphedema Precautions
Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, increased skin temperature, or pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these signs, or if you have a fever.
Maintain a healthy diet – obesity places an additional burden on the lymphatic system.
Blood pressure, blood samples, injections, and acupuncture should NOT be taken from the affected extremity – be sure to inform the nurse or technician that you have a lymphatic condition.
Protect your skin from the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes – increased skin temperature will cause an increased blood supply, which will increase edema.
Protect against insects – inflammation from their bites/stings can worsen lymphedema.
Protect yourself from injury while gardening or doing housework – e.g. wear protective gloves.
Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous repetitive movements against resistance with affected limb – extreme stress causes sudden rapid blood flow through the muscle, which will increase edema.
Avoid cutting cuticles – such injury will allow infectious bacteria to enter the tissue: cut nails straight across.
Use an electric razor – prevent puncturing the skin and subsequent infection.
Avoid restrictive clothing and jewelry – constricting items will worsen an already compromised circulatory system.
Maintain good hygiene – keep skin clean and dry with hypoallergenic soap. Do not go barefoot.
Consult your therapist about sporting activities – gradually progress your exercise to avoid sprain/strain. Slow progression will allow you to monitor your affected limb at risk for any sensation of aching or fullness that could indicate an overloaded lymphatic system.
Additional Precautions
Traditional Massage
Avoid traditional massage “kneading” techniques such as deep tissue, petrissage, tapotement, or friction, which are not recommended to manage lymphedema. The word massage is frequently misused to describe the techniques of manual lymph drainage (MLD). MLD does not include any kneading elements in its strokes and has absolutely nothing in common with traditional massage techniques. Traditional massage can have major negative effects on lymphedema, including active hyperemia, which results in more water accumulating in the interstitial spaces, and overloading an already stressed or impaired lymphatic system, causing additional damage to the lymph vessels.Thermo Therapy
Avoid thermo therapy which may include ice, heat, thermal ultrasound, hydrotherapy (hot packs), saunas, contrast baths, and paraffin, which are all contraindicated for the affected limb in lymphedema management. These thermo therapy modalities will cause vasodilation, and in turn will increase the lymphatic load of water.