Lymphedema is characterized by a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is one of the body systems that helps protect against disease and infection. The lymphatic blockage prevents lymph fluid from draining correctly. As a result, fluid accumulates in your tissues causing swelling, usually in the legs or arms. Although lymph edema cannot be cured, several treatments and proper nutrition can help reduce swelling.
Exercise
Exercise that increases your heart rate and respiratory rate can promote the movement of lymph fluid through the vessels of your lymphatic system. Light exercise can help reduce the swelling associated with lymphedema; however, you should not partake in strenuous exercise or any exercise that exhausts you. Before beginning any exercise program, you should talk to a lymphedema therapist who can show you the proper exercises.
Pressure Garments and Bandages
Pressure garments place pressure on certain areas of the arm or leg to force lymph fluid to move away from the tissues in which it has accumulated. It is especially important for someone with lymphedema to wear these pressure garments during air travel. When lymph fluid has moved out of the affected areas, you can use wrapping bandages to put pressure on the areas and prevent fluid from traveling back into your limbs.
Massage
A special massage technique called lymphatic drainage can encourage the movement of lymph fluid. A drainage massage involves massaging the affected areas to move lymph fluid to healthy lymph nodes that can drain it properly. If you have congestive heart failure, cancer, blood clots, a skin infection or are receiving radiation, you should not receive a lymphatic drainage massage.
Surgery
Severe lymphedema may require surgery. During surgery, excess tissues in the affected limbs are removed in an effort to reduce swelling. Surgery is not used for those who have lymphedema caused by cancer.
Nutrition
There is no specific diet to treat lymphedema, but the proper nutrition can help prevent severe swelling. If you have lymphedema, your diet should be low-fat and low-sodium. It should consist of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and a small amount of unsaturated fat. You should also restrict your salt intake to less than 1,500 mg per day. Don't add salt to foods and try to stay away from processed foods. The more fresh, raw fruits and vegetables you eat, the better. You should also drink plenty of fluids, ideally water and tea. Breastcancer.org notes that you should not consume any soda.
