Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid builds up in the soft tissues of the body, usually in an arm or leg. The condition develops when the lymph vessels or lymph nodes are removed or damaged. Swelling results because the lymph fluid cannot move freely through the lymphatic system. The treatment for lymphedema focuses on reducing the swelling and controlling the pain.
Antibiotics
According to the Cleveland Clinic, physicians may prescribe antibiotics to treat lymphedema if an infection has caused the initial signs and symptoms of swelling. Antibiotics treat infections that can worsen lymphedema. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, helps to manage lymphedema by preventing infections.
Exercise
Specific exercises can lessen the swelling, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Light, non-strenuous exercises that require movement in the affected arm or leg may encourage the lymph fluid to move out of that particular limb. The exercises work best if they focus on gentle contractions of the muscles in the affected arm or leg, instead of vigorous or repetitive movements, notes MayoClinic.com.
Wrapping
According to the Cleveland Clinic, specialized wrapping techniques of the affected limb can treat and prevent lymphedema. Bandaging the affected limb encourages lymph fluid to flow back out of the limb. MayoClinic.com recommends making the bandage tightest around the fingers and toes, then wrapping the bandage looser further away from them.
Compression Garments
Compression garments include long sleeves or stockings made to compress the arm or leg. Compression garments encourage the lymph fluid to flow out of the affected limb, reports MayoClinic.com. Once the swelling has resolved, doctors may recommend wearing compression garments indefinitely to prevent future swelling.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, manual lymphatic drainage can stimulate a weakened lymphatic system by using special massage techniques. The massage encourages lymph fluid to move out of the affected arm or leg with the use of special hand strokes. MayoClinic.com recommends not having manual lymphatic drainage while experiencing a skin infection, active cancer, blood clots or congestive heart failure.
Pneumatic Compression
Pneumatic compression uses a mechanical pumping device that gently moves lymph fluid away from the fingers or toes, reports MayoClinic.com. The device has a sleeve which goes over the affected limb. The device intermittently inflates the sleeve, putting pressure on the limb. The pressure moves the fluid out, thus reducing the swelling.
