Lymphedema: Part Three of Three

Special thanks to Alpine's Lymphedema Specialist, Antara Quiñones, DPT, for submitting this article for publication.

If you have had breast cancer treatment in the form of radiation, lumpectomy, or mastectomy, you are at increased risk of developing arm lymphedema.
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Lymphedema is a failure of the lymphatic system to move lymph fluid out of the extremity. If left unchecked it can lead to skin changes, infection, and decreased function. The best results to avoid the development of lymphedema involve early intervention.

Here are some important items to know when it comes to post-cancer treatment:

1. Protect your arm from bug bites, sunburn, scrapes and scratches, and needles.  Because your lymphatic system is also a part of your immune system, anything that taxes this can set off a swelling event.
2. Keep your skin hydrated with a low pH lotion and keep yourself hydrated.
3. Get a compression sleeve (20-30 mmHg of compression), and wear this during intense exercise, at altitude, and during plane rides. 
4. Follow up with a lymphedema specialist (CLT-LANA) at Alpine Physical Therapy for baseline measurements and further education.
5. If you ever feel a HEAVINESS in your limb put on your compression garment, and follow up with a CLT-LANA specialist. 

Get more information on lymphedema by visiting our web page on the topic by clicking here.

Download “6 Things You May Not Know About Lymphedema” Flyer & Poster curtesy of  LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org.

Photo courtesy of the mayoclinic.com