by Fineus T.

Created on: February 05, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2007

Even athlete's foot can cause a severe infection (called lymphangitis) with lymphedema.

Scarring can occurs from repeated infections causing tissues to be vulnerable to more swelling and infection; this eventually leads to tissue hardening called fibrosis which is characteristic of advanced chronic lymphedema.

Wow! Symptoms may occur as late as 15 years after an injury to the lymph system! They can include: aching, weakness, redness, heaviness, or tightness in one of your limbs; less flexibility in your wrist or ankle, tight-fitting rings or shoes.

Causes of lymphedema: Can be hereditary or often from secondary causes such as surgery or radiation treatment for certain types of cancer, surgery on blood vessels in your limbs, liposuction or burns.

Tests performed by physicians for lymphedema can include: Lymphoscintigraphy, MRI, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, Duplex Ultrasound or less often Lymphangiography.

Lymph is treated in several ways. While Physicians (most often Vascular Specialists in this case) have not agreed about how to best treat chronic lymphedema, some people have benefited from manual lymphatic drainage, using massage to stimulate your weakened lymphatic system. Other treatments methods include special exercises that you can do while wearing compression stockings or bandages, and the use of external pumps to aid the movement of fluid through your body. A treatment combining several of these methods is called Complex Decongestive Therapy.

Medication cannot cure lymphedema; however medications to treat associated conditions such as antibiotics for treating infections can play a role in controlling those problems associated with worsening the overall condition. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove excess tissue if the limb becomes so large and heavy that it interferes with your ability to move it.

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