Symptoms of Lymphoedema

When the lymphatic system stop working, either because for a congential malfunctioning, or because of a an external intervention, which did lead to lymphatic system damage, the individual may start experiencing symptoms of Lymphoedema.
At Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North, Giovanni understand how challenging lymphoedema can be, which is why he provide expert care through Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT). These non-invasive treatments help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphoedema occurs when the lymphatic system is blocked or malfunctioning, leading to a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This fluid results in swelling in the affected areas, often in the arms, legs, or other extremities. Lymphoedema can be primary (a hereditary condition) or secondary (often caused by injury, surgery, or infection). The fluid that builds up in the body is a fluid that is naturally produced by the body and is released under the skin and between tissues by the bloodstream. It is reached in protein, bacteria, viruses, dust, and other minor substances that the body is unsure how to handle.

Stages of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema progresses in stages, with each stage representing the severity of the condition. Recognizing the symptoms early on can help prevent the condition from advancing, so it’s important to be aware of the subtle changes in your body.

Stage 0: Latent or Subclinical Stage

In this early stage, there are no visible signs or symptoms of lymphoedema, but the lymphatic system may already be compromised. People in Stage 0 may experience a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, or mild swelling, int the limbs affected by this presentation, but these symptoms typically disappear after resting or with limb elevation. The fluid retention is still minimal and may not be noticed by the individual, but it can be detected through careful assessment.

Stage 1: Reversible Stage

At this stage, swelling is more noticeable, but the skin is still soft, and the swelling can still decrease with limb elevation and movement. When the swelling is present, the skin will feel puffy or tight, and there may be a sensation of heaviness in the affected area. In this relevant early stage, it i still easy to intervene for prevent further degeneration, and if you are unsure of what you are experiencing, reach out Giovanni for a 15 minutes free consultation, in which, at least thanks to the analysis of your clinical history, we can already evaluate if what you are experiencing is a Stage 1 Lymphoedema.

Stage 2: Spontaneously Irreversible Stage

In Stage 2, the swelling becomes more persistent and is not fully responsive to movement and limb elevation. The asking of the affected area may begin to feel firmer, and there can be noticeable thickening of the skin. This is the stage where fibrosis (scarring of the tissue) starts to develop, and it’s crucial to stop this from going any worse. While the swelling might fluctuate, it becomes more difficult to manage without intervention. At this point, manual treatments like Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) can significantly help reduce swelling and improve the overall function of the lymphatic system.

Stage 3: Lymphostatic Elephantiasis

The final stage of lymphoedema is characterized by extreme swelling and thickened, hardened skin. The affected area may look large, disfigured, and become painful to the touch. Tissue fibrosis is advanced, and the skin may develop ulcerations or infections due to poor circulation and immune system function.
Indeed, along with the swelling and the fibrosis buildup, the outer layer of the skin is placed further away from the blood capillary, which is responsible for releasing oxygen and other substances essential for skin regeneration.Therefore, as the skin breaks open, due to its poor condition, it is more subject to infections and contamination of pathogens.
Stage 3 lymphoedema is debilitating and requires ongoing care and treatment to prevent complications and manage symptoms. At this stage, a combination of therapies such as Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and MLD becomes vital for managing the swelling and restoring lymphatic flow.

Common Symptoms of Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the stage of the condition. The common symptoms include:

1. Swelling: The most obvious sign of lymphoedema is swelling in the affected area, typically starting in the arms or legs. The swelling is often gradual and may worsen over the course of the day, especially after prolonged standing or sitting.
2. Tightness or Heaviness: Affected limbs may feel heavy or tight, particularly after physical activity or at the end of the day. This sensation is often worse in the early stages and may become more pronounced as the condition progresses.
3. Pain or Discomfort: Pain, tenderness, or discomfort in the swollen area is common, especially when there is fibrosis (hardening) of the tissues. The pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the stage.
4. Reduced Range of Motion: As the swelling and fibrosis increase, it can lead to a limited range of motion, particularly in the arms and legs. This can impact daily activities and mobility.
5. Skin Changes: In later stages of lymphoedema, the skin may appear thickened or leathery, with a shiny, tight appearance. There may also be visible folds in the skin, particularly around the knees, elbows, or ankles.
6. Frequent Infections: Swollen tissues have a reduced ability to fight off infections, so people with lymphoedema are more susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, which can further complicate the condition.
7. Numbness or Tingling: As the swelling progresses, the nerves in the affected area may be compressed, leading to sensations of tingling, numbness, or even burning.
8. Increased Skin Sensitivity: The skin in the affected area may become more sensitive, prone to rashes, or develop sores due to the increased swelling and poor circulation.

Commonly Affected Areas of the Body

Lymphoedema can affect different parts of the body, but the most common areas are:

• Arms: After surgery, particularly mastectomy (breast cancer surgery) that involves the removal of lymph nodes, the arms are a common site for lymphoedema. The swelling can range from mild to severe and may cause discomfort, reduced movement, and difficulty with daily tasks.
• Legs: Lymphoedema in the legs is also common, particularly after pelvic surgery, for removal of the prostate, bladder, or uterus, due to cancer surgery. The swelling can be profound and may affect the feet, ankles, or thighs. As with all secondary lymphedema, the swelling starts in the area affected and slowly moves down the limb.
• Face or Neck: While less common, lymphoedema can also affect the face, particularly after head and neck surgeries, such as those performed for cancers or lymph node removals.
• Genitals: Lymphoedema can sometimes affect the genital area, especially after surgery or radiation therapy for gynecological cancers. This type of lymphoedema can be difficult to manage and often requires specialized care.

Managing Lymphoedema with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, Giovanni offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) to help manage the symptoms of lymphoedema. These treatments focus on improving lymphatic flow, reducing swelling, and enhancing overall function.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

MLD is a gentle, non-invasive massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system to promote fluid drainage. By using light pressure and rhythmic movements, MLD helps to move lymphatic fluid away from the swollen area and back into circulation. In the case of lymphoedema, more specifically, what Giovanni would do along with a lymphoedema treatment is to activate the anastomosis, which is a parallel lymphatic system connection that is not normally active. In this way, the liquid, which can’t find its way up via the regular passway, has how to flow once again. Regular MLD sessions can help to reduce swelling, improve the skin’s appearance, and reduce discomfort.

Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

CDT is a non-invasive therapy that involves the usage of bandages to compress the affected area and maintain the fluid moving after an MLD session is done. Indeed, Giovanni would apply the bandages to the limb or limbs, aiming to achieve the right amount on pressure to not only maintain the liquid moving, but also to brake down the fibrosis which may did build up along the swelling.
The bandage gets applied right after the treatment, and then, within 24 you can remove it, wash the bandage, and return it to Giovanni for another application.Especially for severe cases, the more often the combination of MLD and CDT is apply, the quicker the Lymphoedema can be reversed and better managed.

Get the Support You Need

If you are experiencing symptoms of lymphoedema, it’s essential to seek professional treatment as early as possible. Here at Melbourne Massage and Treatment in Fitzroy North I do offer personalized lymphoedema care through Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Combined Decongestive Therapy, aimed at reducing swelling, alleviating discomfort, and improving quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your lymphoedema symptoms.