Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphedema may include:

Causes

The causes of lymphedema may include:

• Secondary lymphedema (most common): damage to or removal of lymph nodes, most often following cancer surgery or radiation therapy, particularly for breast, gynecological, or prostate cancers.
• Infection: recurrent skin infections (cellulitis) can damage lymphatic vessels over time.
• Trauma or surgery: injury to lymphatic vessels from surgery, scarring, or serious injury.
• Primary lymphedema: a rarer, inherited condition caused by abnormal development of the lymphatic system, which can appear at birth, puberty, or later in adulthood.
• Chronic venous insufficiency: long-standing venous disease can overload and eventually damage the lymphatic system.
• Obesity: excess body weight can impair lymphatic drainage in the lower limbs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lymphedema typically involves a detailed medical history (including any prior cancer treatment, surgery, or infections), a physical examination measuring and comparing limb circumference, and in some cases imaging such as lymphoscintigraphy, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of swelling, such as venous disease or heart or kidney conditions.

Treatment

Lymphedema cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed with the right combination of therapies. At Maana Health, our Musculoskeletal Wellness Program approaches lymphedema management through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), widely regarded as the gold-standard treatment. CDT combines manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, therapeutic exercise, and skin and infection-risk care into a single structured program.

Alongside CDT, we use Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) — a device-based therapy that applies rhythmic, sequential compression to help move excess lymphatic fluid out of the affected limb, reduce swelling, and support long-term recovery. Patients are also guided on home care: skin protection, self-bandaging technique, and a home exercise routine, so that the improvement from in-clinic treatment is sustained between sessions.

Lymphedema Assessment

Lymphedema Home Care: Skin, Bandaging & Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

Can lymphedema be cured? There is currently no cure for lymphedema, but it can be effectively managed. With Complete Decongestive Therapy and consistent home care, most patients see significant reduction in swelling and can prevent the condition from progressing.

What is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)? CDT is the gold-standard treatment for lymphedema, combining manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, therapeutic exercise, and skin care into one structured program.

How does Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) help? IPC uses a device that applies rhythmic, sequential compression to the affected limb, helping move excess lymphatic fluid out and reduce swelling, alongside manual therapy.

Is lymphedema only related to cancer treatment? No. While secondary lymphedema following cancer surgery or radiation is the most common cause, it can also result from infection, trauma, chronic venous disease, obesity, or a rarer inherited (primary) form.

What can I do at home to manage lymphedema? Skin protection and infection prevention, correct self-bandaging or compression garment use, and a home exercise routine are key to maintaining the improvement gained from in-clinic treatment.