Arm Lymphedema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in NYC

Table of Contents

• Understanding Arm Lymphedema
• Causes of Arm Lymphedema
• What Symptoms are Associated with Arm Lymphedema?
• How is This Condition Usually Diagnosed?
• What Services and Treatments Do You Offer to Treat This Condition?
• Meet Our Arm Lymphedema Specialist:
• Locations that treat Arm Lymphedema in NYC:
• FAQ

Understanding Arm Lymphedema

The lymphatic system serves as one of the body's most vital systems, composed of an extensive network of vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissue and organs. It has two primary functions: to maintain the fluid levels within your body and to filter bacteria, abnormal cells, and waste products from your tissues. When the lymphatic system is damaged, the system may no longer work as effectively as it once did. As a result, fluid may build up, potentially resulting in a condition known as Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of protein-rich fluid in any part of the body, resulting in eventual visible swelling and skin changes.

Causes of Arm Lymphedema

When the lymphatic system is damaged, blocked, or abnormally developed in the arms, axilla, or trunk region, fluid may start to build-up and progressively lead to chronic swelling, known as Lymphedema.

Cancer treatment is the most common cause of lymphedema in the US. Cancer-related lymphedema in the arms occurs as a result of surgery, radiation therapy, and/or the removal of lymph nodes, following breast cancer. When the lymphatic system is damaged by these cancer treatments, the remaining healthy lymphatic pathways may become overwhelmed over time, resulting in a backup of fluid in the affected body part. Lymphedema may develop within days, months, or years after the completion of cancer treatments.

Types of lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema

Primary Lymphedema is an inherited condition, and it is caused by the abnormal development of the lymphatic system. In such cases, Arm Lymphedema typically appears during infancy, puberty, or pregnancy.

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary Lymphedema is the most common type of lymphedema, and it is caused by damage to the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system may be damaged or blocked because of:

• Trauma
• Obesity
• Breast or upper extremity cancer history
• Surgery
• Axillary lymph node removal
• Infection

What Symptoms are Associated with Arm Lymphedema?

The most common sign of lymphedema within your arm(s) is chronic swelling. Swelling can develop very slowly or suddenly following an incident that overwhelms the lymphatic system. However, it is important to keep in mind that in the early stages of lymphedema, you may not see any visible swelling but may have feelings of heaviness/fullness in your arm(s).

Other signs & symptoms of arm lymphedema:

• Feeling of heaviness, fullness, tightness in your arm(s) and/or hand(s)
• Visible swelling
• Decreased movement and/or flexibility of arm(s) and/or hand(s)
• Decreased visibility of your veins, tendons, and wrinkles in your hand
• Clothing feels tighter than usual
• Fibrosis: hardening and/or thickening of the skin
• Pitting edema: Indentation of the skin with applied pressure
• Increased swelling on hot/humid days or after physical exertion

It is important to keep in mind that following breast cancer treatment, one is at risk of developing lymphedema in their affected arm and/or breast/chest. So you may also experience the following signs and symptoms in your chest. Lymphedema is a progressive condition, thus without proper treatment, swelling and skin changes may continue to worsen throughout the entire arm and hand.

How is This Condition Usually Diagnosed?

Lymphedema is diagnosed by any healthcare professional, including a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, with a physical examination and thorough history of your medical conditions and symptoms. No medical imaging or tests are needed to diagnose lymphedema; it is instead a clinical diagnosis. However, your healthcare provider or therapist may recommend certain medical imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, to rule out other causes of arm swelling.

What Services and Treatments Do You Offer to Treat This Condition?

Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema, and it is performed by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT). Many studies have proven the effectiveness of CDT for improving lymphedema swelling, pain, impaired mobility, and poor function.

CDT consists of 5 essential elements:

1. Compression Therapy: Multi-layered compression bandages are used to reduce swelling and improve skin changes. While compression garments are used to maintain the size and swelling of the affected body part. Velcro garments and nighttime garments can also be used to maintain your swelling.
2. Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Manual lymphatic drainage is a specialized light massage technique that enhances lymphatic flow and the movement of lymphatic fluid out of the affected body part.
3. Remedial Exercises: Due to the pumping action created by your muscles contracting as you exercise, lymph flow is enhanced. The exercise plays a vital role in the management of lymphedema.
4. Skin and Nail Care: One of the biggest concerns with lymphedema is the risk of infection and cellulitis. Thus, having a good skin care routine is essential for preventing lymphedema flare-ups and other complications.
5. Patient Education: Since lymphedema is a life-long condition, education regarding self-care and self-management is paramount.

Meet Our Arm Lymphedema Specialist:

Caitha Barr, OTR/L, CLT is an occupational therapist at FemFirstHealth. Request an appointment with Caitha today.

Locations that treat Arm Lymphedema in NYC:

Upper West Side Location & Midtown Manhattan Location

FAQ

Who can treat Lymphedema?

Lymphedema can ONLY be treated by a Certified Lymphedema Therapist!

Can My Arm Lymphedema Be Improved?

Complete Decongestive Therapy is proven through research to be the most effective way of reducing lymphatic swelling. Through a combination of compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and remedial exercises, your lymphatic flow will be enhanced, and fluid will move out of the affected area. Compression therapy is the key to reducing lymphatic swelling. So depending on your goals, we may opt to wrap your limb using multilayer short-stretch bandages, as wrapping is the most effective way to significantly reduce swelling.

Is There a Cure for Lymphedema?

Unfortunately, at the moment there is no cure for lymphedema. Lymphedema is a life-long, progressive condition. Thus without proper management it will get worse over time. Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore key to preventing complications and successfully managing the condition in the long-term.

I Don't Have Arm Lymphedema, But I Am at Risk Due to My Breast Cancer History. Can I Still Schedule an Appointment with a Certified Lymphedema Therapist?

Absolutely! We can help you get a better understanding of your risk factors so that you can reduce your likelihood of developing lymphedema. Our session together may include a combination of education, self-care practices, therapeutic exercises, and manual lymphatic drainage.