Understanding Lymphoedema: Causes, Signs & Actions You Can Take

Lymphoedema Awareness Month is a time dedicated to education, support, and empowerment for those living with lymphoedema. Whether you’re newly exploring symptoms or have lived with lymphoedema for years, understanding how the condition works can help you take confident steps toward long‑term management.

Note: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please speak to your healthcare professional for personalised guidance.

Understanding Lymphoedema 

How lymphoedema happens

The lymphatic system filters and removes substances such as blood proteins, fatty acids, and inflammatory products dissolved in fluid. Lymphoedema occurs when lymph drainage is disrupted, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissue. This typically affects one arm or leg and can be either:

• Primary lymphoedema (from birth): Caused by a malformation of the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. Although congenital, it often appears later in life when the lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues or limbs.
  
  
• Secondary lymphoedema (acquired later in life):
  Develops over the course of a lifetime due to external influences, such as surgery, radiation, injuries, skin inflammation and malignant diseases (e.g., tumours).
  
  

Is lymphoedema curable?

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, with the right long‑term therapy you can achieve very good results in reducing swelling (decongestion) and maintaining those results. The most effective method for treating lymphoedema is complex decongestive therapy (CDT).

Who treats lymphoedema?

Your GP, or a specialist clinic experienced in lymphoedema, can help guide you through treatment options. When choosing a specialist, look for qualifications such as phlebologist or lymphologist. These professionals can prescribe therapies including manual lymphatic drainage and medical compression stockings.

How to Tell You Have Lymphoedema 

Common signs and symptoms?
People with lymphoedema may notice:

• Unilateral (asymmetrical) swelling of the arms or legs
• Deepening of natural skin folds
• Back of the foot or hand affected
• Skin colour usually unchanged
• Slow hardening of the skin
• Positive Stemmer’s sign (see below)

It’s important to consult a doctor early so that suitable therapy can be initiated. The earlier treatment begins, the more likely it is that the oedema can be kept “under control” long term.


What is Stemmer’s sign?

Stemmer’s sign is a useful indicator to tell if you have lymphoedema or not. Try to lift a skin fold, for example, on the top of your hand or your toe.

• If it’s difficult or impossible to lift, that means a positive Stemmer’s sign, which is a sign of lymphoedema.
  
  
• If it's easy to lift, it means a negative Stemmer’s sign, which may indicate there is no lymphoedema (but does not rule it out).

If you suspect a positive Stemmer’s sign, contact your doctor immediately. The sooner, the better.

The Four Stages of Lymphoedema?

Stage 0 – Latent lymphoedema:
Lymph vessels are damaged but no visible swelling yet; lymph drainage is normal and there is no oedema (yet).

Stage 1 – Spontaneously reversible lymphoedema:
Swelling occurs during the day but subsides completely or partially when the limb is elevated. Pressing on the tissue leaves a dent that remains for some time.

Stage 2 – Non‑spontaneously reversible lymphoedema:
Swelling persists even after prolonged rest. The skin is hardened, and elevating the limb does not relieve it. Dents are difficult or impossible to press in.

Stage 3 – Irreversible lymphoedema:
Swelling occurs with skin changes (e.g., small blisters from which lymph fluid may leak). In the past, this more pronounced form was also known as “elephantiasis.”

Actions You Can Take to Reduce Lymphoedema

Everyday habits to support your lymphatic system?

• Avoid long periods of sitting or standing; elevate your legs and arms whenever possible.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid constriction that can impede lymph drainage.
• Watch your weight, as being overweight puts additional strain on lymph vessels.
• Avoid stress and extreme cold, which can constrict vessels.
• Get compression garments to help improve blood flow and reduce fluid build up.

Diet Tips

A healthy, varied diet and sufficient fluids can support therapy and help counteract possible secondary issues:

• Eat fresh, colourful fruit and vegetables – ideally 2 portions of fruit and 3 portions of vegetables per day.
• Choose healthy fats, e.g., from nuts, seeds or linseed oil.
• Drink at least two litres of water or unsweetened tea every day.
• Reduce consumption of meat, sausage and cheese.
• Use salt sparingly, as salt binds water in the tissue.
• Avoid foods that rapidly raise blood sugar levels, such as soft drinks, sweets and white‑flour products (e.g., toast, baguettes, biscuits).
  
  

Engaging in CDT (Complex Decongestive Therapy)

CDT is the basic therapy for treating lymphoedema and consists of two phases:

Phase 1 – Decongestion phase
Applied 1–2 times a day where possible, typically in specialised facilities (inpatient or outpatient):

• Daily manual lymphatic drainage
• Lymphological compression bandages or medical adaptive compression systems (MAC)
• Goal: Reduce limb circumference and decongest tissue

This phase usually lasts several weeks—until no further reduction in circumference is possible.

Phase 2 – Maintenance phase
Applied according to the findings of phase 1and aims to maintain results:

• Medical compression stockings (usually flat knit)
• Regular exercise and gymnastics
• Consistent skin care
• Lifelong use to stabilise therapy success

Lymphoedema Awareness Month: Join the Conversation

Lymphoedema Awareness Month is about community, connection and education. Sharing your story, supporting others, or learning more about your lymphatic health all contribute to better outcomes. If you’re ready to explore therapy options or compression solutions, talk to your healthcare professional.

If you’re considering compression garments or need product support, our team is here to help.