Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Medicare For Providers For Brokers For Employers Español For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families Medical Dental Other Supplemental Explore coverage through work How to Buy Health Insurance Types of Dental Insurance Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment See all topics Shop for Medicare plans Member Guide Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna
Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Lymphedema

Lymphedema

Condition Basics

Lymphedema is a collection of fluid called lymph in the tissues of the body. Normally, this fluid flows through the lymph system. If that system isn't working as it should, fluid can build up in the affected area and cause lymphedema. This happens most often in an arm or leg.

What causes lymphedema?

Lymphedema may be caused by cancer treatment, like surgery or radiation. Or it may be caused by cancer itself, such as when tumors press against lymph nodes or affect the lymph system. Other causes of lymphedema include infections, inflammatory conditions, obesity, and injury to the lymph nodes. Sometimes the cause isn't known.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of lymphedema include feeling as though your clothes, rings, wristwatches, or bracelets are too tight. You may have a feeling of fullness in your arms or legs and less flexibility in your wrists, hands, and ankles.

How is lymphedema treated?

Treatment focuses on managing lymphedema. This may include wearing compression garments to help reduce swelling and special massage to help drain lymph fluid from the area. It also includes self-care, such as watching closely for changes, protecting yourself from injury, and maintaining a healthy weight. Surgery is an option in some cases.

How can you care for yourself?

Lymphedema may develop if you have lymph nodes removed or have radiation therapy as part of cancer treatment. The following tips may help if you have lymphedema or are at risk for lymphedema.

  • Keep a close watch on the area of your body where you had treatment.

    Your doctor may have you regularly measure the affected area of your body. You'll be asked to report on any changes you notice, such as a change in size, color, or feeling.

  • Prop up the affected limb.

    Whenever you can, rest a swollen arm or leg on a comfortable surface, above the level of your heart. Propping up the affected arm or leg can help ease the drainage of lymph fluid.

    • Don't put pressure on your armpit or groin area.
    • Don't hold a limb up without support for very long. It can increase swelling.
  • Protect the area.

    If you've had treatment in your underarm area:

    • Try to avoid having blood drawn from that arm.
    • Try to avoid having a blood pressure cuff placed on that arm. If you're in the hospital, make sure you notify your nurse and other hospital staff of your condition.
    • Wear gloves when you garden or do other activities that can lead to cuts on your fingers or hands.
    • Use an electric shaver if you shave your armpits.

    If you've had treatment in your groin area:

    • Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and support your feet.
    • Avoid wearing any tight clothing on your lower body. (This does not include compression garments.)
  • Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.

    Your doctor will give you some exercises to do. Exercise helps to circulate lymph fluid. But it can also cause swelling. So when exercising, be sure to wear any compression garments or bandages recommended by your doctor.

    Staying at a healthy weight can help. If you need to lose weight, talk with your doctor.

  • See a health professional who specializes in lymphedema.

    Ask your doctor to refer you. Those trained in lymphedema management include physical therapists and occupational therapists.

  • Protect your skin.
    • Bathe or shower as needed with warm, not hot, water. Use a mild soap, preferably one that has moisturizers. Or use a moisturizer separately.
    • Use sunscreen and insect repellent when outdoors. Ask your doctor how to handle any cuts, scratches, insect bites, or other injuries.
  • Wear compression bandages or garments.

    Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression bandages or garments, such as sleeves or stockings. Compression garments need to fit properly. Follow your doctor's instructions about when to wear them, including when you travel by air.

Current as of: December 13, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Swelling Breast Cancer

<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>

Page Footer

I want to...

Get an ID card File a claim View my claims and EOBs Check coverage under my plan See prescription drug list Find an in-network doctor, dentist, or facility Find a form Find 1095-B tax form information View the Cigna Glossary Contact Cigna

Audiences

Individuals and Families Medicare Employers Brokers Providers

Secure Member Sites

myCigna member portal Health Care Provider portal Cigna for Employers Client Resource Portal Cigna for Brokers

The Cigna Group Information

About Cigna Healthcare Company Profile Careers Newsroom Investors Suppliers The Cigna Group Third Party Administrators International Evernorth

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Privacy Legal Product Disclosures Cigna Company Names Customer Rights Accessibility Non-Discrimination Notice Language Assistance [PDF] Report Fraud Sitemap Cookie Settings

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details