TAFA...  The Lymphedema Products Specialist

                              "Treating The Human Condition  Since 1987"

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling in the arms and legs. Symptoms may include:

·         A general feeling of tightness and/or heaviness of the limb or a specific feeling of tightness and tenderness in the elbow.

·         Arm lymphedema—aching back of shoulder or feeling of tightness and/or tenderness in the elbow and/or pain in joints of arm.

·         Leg lymphedema—aching buttock and/or a feeling of tightness and tenderness in the back of the knee. May also include pain in joints of leg, tenderness in the groin of the affected leg and distended abdomen.

·         A sensation of “pins and needles” in the affected extremity.

·         “Shooting or busting pains” up the affected extremity.

·         The extremity or affected areas are warmer than other parts—but not red, which may suggest infection.

Symptoms may occur when venous or lymphatic vessels or both are impaired. When the impairment is so great that the lymph fluid exceeds the lymphatic transport capacity, an abnormal amount of protein fluid collects in the tissues of the extremity.

Untreated, this stagnant, protein rich fluid not only causes tissue channels to increase in size and number, but also reduces oxygen through the transport system, interferes with wound healing, and provides a culture medium for bacteria that can result in various infections (see "Precautions” page). A chronic inflammatory condition stemming from this accumulation of fluid eventually results in fibrosis (hardening) of the extremity tissues.

Inside view of Lymph Node: