Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

i have mild-moderate lymphedema in my arms. what is the best way to get rid of it?

Accepted Answer

Compression: Commonly, physical therapists can help with massage and compressive wraps,  sequential pumps and compressive garments will aid in maintenance.  Don't expect a cure...And don't neglect identifying the cause.

Question 5

can a new tumor on my arm cause lymphedema?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Depending on where the tumor grows and which tissues it involves, it certainly can cause lymphedema of the arm. In particular, if the tumor involves the lymph nodes in the arm pit (axilla), this could Prohibit lymphatic drainage from the arm and cause lymphedema.

Question 6

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 7

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 8

what treatment for lymphedema that will not cost an arm?

Accepted Answer

Should be covered..: Compression and lymphatic massage are the mainstays of therapy for lymphedema.
As lymphedema is a diagnosis of exclusion, make sure you see a vascular specialist and that other causes of swelling have been ruled out. Your therapy should be covered if a specialist makes the diagnosis of lymphedema.

Question 9

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 10

i have had slight swelling in my left arm due to lymphedema. what can i do?

Accepted Answer

Compression , enzyme: Compression garment can reduce lymphedema and oral enzymes such as bromelain, serrapetase can be helpful of the area is not sclerotic.

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Doctor answers about:

Arms stiff 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:

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

A member asked:

I have mild-moderate lymphedema in my arms. what is the best way to get rid of it?

A member asked:

Can a new tumor on my arm cause lymphedema?

A member asked:

Can a person massage the lymphedema out of his arm?

A member asked:

What are the recommended exercises for lymphedema of the arm?

A member asked:

What treatment for lymphedema that will not cost an arm?

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

I have had slight swelling in my left arm due to lymphedema. what can i do?

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