Lymphoedema occurs when your lymph vessels are unable to adequately drain lymph fluid, usually from an arm or leg. This results in swelling in the affected limb. Lymphoedema can be either primary or secondary. This means it can occur on its own (primary lymphoedema) or it can be caused by another disease or condition (secondary lymphedema). Secondary lymphoedema is far more common than primary lymphoedema.

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Secondary lymphoedema is a progressive, chronic swelling resulting from damage to the lymphatic vessels and/or lymph nodes. This leads to a build up of fluid and other elements (i.e. sub-cutaneous fat or protein) in tissue spaces. Secondary lymphoedema may lead to chronic inflammation and swelling, contributing to fibrosis, skin breakdown, and increased risk of infection.

Secondary lymphoedema may occur in one or more limbs and can involve the corresponding area of the trunk. Swelling also may affect the head and neck, breast, or genitalia. Although most commonly associated with cancer treatments, secondary lymphoedema can occur after burns, trauma, venous disease, infection, inflammation, or immobility.

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Although not curable, it is most easily managed with early recognition and therapy. A delay in intervention may lead to more severe symptoms and decreased efficacy with treatment. Although most research has focused on upper-extremity lymphoedema, many of the interventions may be useful for lower-extremity lymphoedema.

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Lymphoedema is treated with Manual Lymph Drainage and Multi-layered Bandaging or the Mobiderm system. Once swelling is reduced compression garments are worn with regular manual lymph drainage sessions for maintenance.