Question 1

what are the recommended exercises for lymphedema of the arm?

Accepted Answer

Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist can customize a program for you.Compressing a hard rubber ball to work the forearm muscles , biceps and triceps exercises with weights can help move fluid from the upper arm

Question 2

can a person massage the lymphedema out of his arm?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The best treatment for this is manual lymphatic drainage and complete decongestive therapy. This is essentially a massage technique that stimulates the lymphatics and encourages the fluid to move towards the central venous system. Combined with compression this massage then controls the swelling. Please see a physician with special interest in lymph edema and seek this treatment.

Question 3

could shooting heroin in the arm cause arm lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Injecting any drugs into arm veins can cause scarring of the veins, which increase your risk of swelling.  This is not true lymphedema, which is caused by damage to lymph vessels, but the symptoms of swelling can be the same.

Question 4

my arms are stiff. could this be due to my lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If you have been diagnosed with lymphedema than it may explain why your arms feel stiff. However, there are other causes of arm stiffness. Your pcp can determine this by examining you.

Question 5

do you think arms sleeves for lymphedema are effective?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Arm sleeves are partially effective.  They are best at keeping lymphedema from getting worse.  Gentle lymphatic massage can help move the fluid out of the arm into larger lymph vessels.  A physical therapist trained in lymphatic drainage can teach you how to do this on yourself.

Question 6

could i have info about prevention of lymphedema in my arm?

Accepted Answer

Not really possible: Lymphedema occurs when there is a compromise of the lymphatic circulation.  This  third circulation (arteries, veins) carries things too thick to be safely carried in arteries and veins like bacteria eaten by white cells and digested food.  It is propelled along by normal body movements but contains a thick material called lymph.  Blockage causes it to back up causing  soft tissues/skin deformity.

Question 7

can lymphedema spread from my arms to other parts of my body?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Upper extremity lymphedema most commonly occurs following the treatment of breast cancer, which involves lymph node removal +/- radiation.  The entire lymphatic system is interconnected and swelling can occur anywhere in the body regardless of which lymphatic region was affected.  Though not curable, this does respond to physical therapy.

Question 8

i am trying to find where to go for therapy to treat lymphedema of the arm. what should i consider?

Accepted Answer

Physical Therapy: Lymphedema may be managed by physical therapists trained in lymphatic drainage.  I suggest you contact your primary care physician, surgeon, or local hospital for a referral.

Question 9

i was fitted for a lymphedema sleeve and gauntlet. is the sleeve supposed to cut off the circulation in my arm and hand?

Accepted Answer

No: The sleeve should be tight but should not cut off your circulation.  You may need to start with a larger sleeve and move to a smaller one as your lymphedema improves.  Talk to your physical therapist as soon as possible.

Question 10

how can i avoid putting pressure on my arm and prevent breast lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

General care: Lymphedema of the arm is seen following breast procedures (axillary dissection, radiation), and avoiding putting pressure on the arm doesn't prevent the swelling.  Avoid scratches, injury of the arm that can result in infection and further damage of the lymphatics.  Seek help of a lymphedema trained physical therapist for specific advice.

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Doctor answers about:

Arm exercises for lymphedema

A member asked:

What are the recommended exercises for lymphedema of the arm?

A member asked:

Can a person massage the lymphedema out of his arm?

A member asked:

Could shooting heroin in the arm cause arm lymphedema?

A member asked:

My arms are stiff. could this be due to my lymphedema?

A member asked:

Do you think arms sleeves for lymphedema are effective?

A member asked:

Could i have info about prevention of lymphedema in my arm?

A member asked:

Can lymphedema spread from my arms to other parts of my body?

A member asked:

I am trying to find where to go for therapy to treat lymphedema of the arm. what should i consider?

A member asked:

I was fitted for a lymphedema sleeve and gauntlet. is the sleeve supposed to cut off the circulation in my arm and hand?

A member asked:

How can i avoid putting pressure on my arm and prevent breast lymphedema?

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