
CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMA
Causes of lymphedema. Swelling that occurs when your lymphatic system is impacted is called lymphedema. Although it can affect other parts of your body, lymphedema usually affects your arms and legs. Although they cannot treat lymphedema, medical professionals can lessen its symptoms. When your lymphatic system is impacted, you may experience edema in different parts of your body.
CAUSES OF LYMPHEDEMA
Your lymphatic system collects excess fluid, proteins and toxins from your cells and tissues and returns them to your bloodstream. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. Although your arms and legs are usually affected, other parts of your body may also be affected. Additionally, if you have lymphedema, you are more likely to have an infection.
Types

Rare, hereditary disorders that impact the development of your lymphatic system can cause primary lymphedema. These illnesses can cause lymphedema at the following ages:
Infancy: Milroy’s disease, a hereditary type of lymphedema, can strike newborns.
During pregnancy, puberty, or until age 35: People up to the age of 35 who are going through puberty or pregnancy may be affected by Meige illness.
After the age of 35: Lymphedema tarda, an uncommon, late-onset lymphedema, can produce swelling that is restricted to the legs.
Secondary lymphedema may happen if your lymphatic system is damaged from surgery, trauma or radiation therapy. Those who have received treatment for breast cancer are more likely to experience it. However, lymphedema does not occur in all patients receiving therapy for breast cancer.
Symptoms

The most prevalent symptom is edema. Swelling could appear gradually. When lymphedema is first developing, you might not notice any unusual swelling. Lymphedema-related swelling can sometimes appear abruptly. Additional signs of lymphedema that you could observe include:
The veins or tendons in your hands and feet are invisible to the naked eye.
You seem to have slightly different-sized arms and legs.
You feel as though your joints are extremely rigid or tight.
Your skin appears red or swollen. swelling in your legs, arms, or other body parts.
You feel as though your arms, legs, or other body parts are too full or heavy.
Your jewelry or clothing fits more snugly than normal.
You feel as though something is burning or itching.
You noticeably get thicker skin.
Causes
Lymphedema can result from a number of factors, including:
Breast cancer surgery: Removing lymph nodes beneath your arms may occasionally result in harm to surrounding lymph veins.
Surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the pelvis may result in lymphedema.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy can inflame your skin, put strain on your lymphatic circulation system, and cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system.
Trauma: The lymphatic system is a complex network of deep and directly beneath-the-skin veins. Lymphedema can occasionally result from trauma to a body part that damages the lymphatic veins beneath the skin.
Infection: An infection can worsen damage to the lymphatic system.
Treatment

Compression garments: These might be wraps, sleeves, or stockings that provide pressure to transfer fluid from your tissues into your bloodstream. This lessens swelling and the chance of consequences from lymphedema. Physical therapy: To promote circulation, physical therapists with expertise in lymphedema apply a mild massage technique. Manual lymphatic drainage is what this is. You might learn how to give this massage on your own from the therapists. Elevation: The symptoms of lymphedema are influenced by gravity. You should make every effort to keep the afflicted part of your body as high as you can. Exercise: To promote lymphatic drainage, physical activity is essential.
Summary
When your lymphatic system is impacted, you may experience swelling in different parts of your body, which is known as lymphedema. It’s a chronic illness that can negatively impact your well-being, mood, and sense of self. Lymphedema is a difficult illness. However, there are things you can do to manage your symptoms and make living with lymphedema simpler.