What is lymphedema and who’s at risk for this condition?

What is lymphedema? It’s a form of chronic swelling. But, unlike other forms of swelling (or edema) lymphedema doesn’t develop when a fluid such as blood or water gets trapped in your soft tissue. Instead, this type of swelling sets in when your body’s lymph fluid gets trapped in the soft tissue of your skin.

Once that occurs, you’ll notice swelling that won’t go away. That is the case for Wendy Williams, who displayed her lymphedema-impacted feet for the world to see on her 2022 Lifetime special, "Where is Wendy Williams?" In it, she announced, "This is lymphedema. And I can only feel now 2% (of my feet). Do you see what this looks like?”

Now, Williams' feet did look noticeably swollen. But what you couldn't see on screen was other symptoms of lymphedema. These include:

• Remaining finger imprints when you press on swollen skin areas
• Pain
• With time, limits on mobility depending on the areas impacted

But what is lymph fluid? Why would it get trapped in your skin? And who’s at risk for lymphedema? Keep reading for the answer to these and other important questions!

Key Takeaways:

• When lymph fluid builds up under your skin (lymphedema), you can develop chronic swelling, pain and difficulties with mobility
• Potential causes of lymphedema include prior physical trauma, advanced vein disease, cancer treatment and/or genetic predisposition
• Treatment options include compression therapy, lymphatic massage and preventative vein care. In some cases, liposuction can help address areas of swollen tissue

What is Lymph fluid?

Lymph fluid circulates within your body as part of the lymphatic system that travels alongside your veins and arteries. Filled with proteins and fats, this fluid helps take white blood cells to spots in your body where infection-fighting is necessary.

Since lymph fluid is key to helping immunity, anything that blocks its movement could leave you vulnerable to infection. Plus, once trapped in your soft tissue, built up lymph fluid can also cause your body to form scar tissue or new fat deposits. Together, this combination can impact your mobility, making it difficult for you to get through your day.

Now you have a better understanding of lymph fluid. But why would it stop circulating? And what causes lymphedema? Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this question. Because several different triggers or conditions could lead to the buildup of lymphatic fluid in your body.

What is Lymphedema? Underlying Causes of Chronic Swelling

Currently, an estimated 10 million Americans live with this condition. Common causes of lymphedema include:

1. Your genetics or family history
2.      Gender, as this condition affects women more than men
3. Advanced vein disease
4. Illness, including heart disease, heart failure, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease
5. Prior physical trauma
6. Cancer treatment, particularly for breast cancer survivors whose lymph nodes were removed. In fact, this study from JAMA Network shows that one third of women who've survived colon, uterine or ovarian cancer go on to develop lymphedema. (Sadly, black women have a higher risk of lymphedema following breast cancer surgery when compared to women of other races.)

Lymphedema Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Swelling in your arm, leg, fingers or toes. (It could affect the entire limb, or only smaller parts.) Your limb may feel tight or heavy, and it could display limits on range of motion.
• Your affected arm or leg could ache or feeling uncomfortable.
• You may develop recurring infections, thick or hardened skin and, when lymphedema hits your lower body, leg cramps could also develop.

Regardless of the cause of lymphedema, it’s important to seek medical attention at the first sign of swelling. After all, the condition is progressive. And, if left untreated, your swelling could become both very painful and debilitating.

What is Lymphedema? Swelling that Usually Gets Worse Over Time

This condition develops in four stages. In its earliest stages, your symptoms may be very mild. Your arms or legs could feel heavy or you might experience a mild tingling sensation. But, as more fluid builds up, swelling will set in.

Once that occurs, things could get serious. In fact, for some people, the swelling of lymphedema makes it difficult to wear regular clothing. Plus, studies reveal that when lymphedema affects your lower extremities, it can increase your risk for skin cancer. And, in some cases, the swelling is so severe that movement is challenging. Luckily, with early intervention, it’s usually possible to prevent this degree of progression.

Lymphedema Risk: Are There Ways to Prevent this Condition?

If you're at higher risk for chronic swelling, steer clear of tight clothing or accessories. It may be wise to avoid getting tattooed as well, since they increase your risk for infection. Now, if you already have lymphedema, ask healthcare providers not to take your blood pressure in affected areas. Whenever you're outside, carefully apply SPF sunscreen, since your skin is very sensitive and at a higher risk for cancer. Also, regularly moisturize to keep your skin hydrated, since this can reduce irritation. And steer clear of very hot baths or showers, since the warmth can make your symptoms worse.

Finally, according to the American Cancer Society, it's important to reach or maintain a healthy weight if you have lymphedema risk, since obesity adds to that risk. If you need inspiration, check out our Move it Monday series for gentle, effective ways to add more exercise into your routine.

Treatment Options

When caught early, we’ve seen great results using compression therapy for lymphedema. In many cases, you’ll combine compression socks or sleeves with a special form of lymphatic drainage massage to help get lymph fluid moving. (It’s called manual lymphatic drainage.)

Newer treatment options involve light therapy and surgery. But since there’s no way to predict if surgery will relieve swelling, it’s best to choose an earlier, less invasive intervention. In fact, because lymphatic surgeries offer mixed results, many surgeons instead opt to remove built up fat deposits using liposuction. Because, in this way, you can reduce lymphedema’s physical symptoms and limitations. But you won’t have to worry about patients not responding to treatment.

Supportive Products

Like we said, compression socks can really help with the fluid build-up. But did you know there are also special compression pumps you can use to get built-up fluid circulating? If you need a more dramatic intervention, this in-home medical device could help you manage your condition.

In less severe cases, grabbing a new bike can help you improve lymphedema through gentle exercise. Additionally, certain dietary changes can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. So stocking up on circulation boosting grocery items such as green tea could also help manage lymphedema at home.

Houston and Dallas Lymphedema Help

Treating vein disease may help prevent lymphedema from developing or progressing. Plus, when you see our Texas Endovascular specialists, we can prescribe compression therapy to help manage your chronic swelling.

Ready to manage swelling and regain mobility? We’re here to help. Reach out today and schedule your consultation at one of our seven locations in the greater Houston and Dallas areas.

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