General Do’s & Don’ts for Lymphedema

Do:

• Elevate the swollen limb
• Keep moving – muscle contraction helps move the lymph fluid
• Use compression garments
• Maintain good skin care & hygiene
• Avoid, to the best of your ability, cuts, scratches and trauma to the area
• Use proper steps to avoid infection, such as cleaning/covering cuts and using antiseptics
• Seek out Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) from a certified therapist (That’s us!)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Monitor your lymphedema and notify your doctor if you notice any of the following: pain, heaviness, burning, numbness, pin/needles, change in temperature, redness

Don’t:

• Wear restrictive clothing or jewelry
• Perform strenuous exercise if your body isn’t used to it
• Overheat! Avoid hot tubs, saunas and sunburn
• Get injections or blood pressure taken on the affected side
• Carry heavy bags on the affected side
• Receive heavy massage on the affected area
• Ignore symptoms that are not typical
• Consume large amounts of salt or alcohol