[Click! Health] If Your Legs and Feet Are Swollen and Feel Pressured, Suspect 'Lymphedema'

If Prolonged, There Is a Possibility of Fibrosis Progression in the Tissue

Photo by Getty Images Bank

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] The human body sometimes swells without a clear cause. Swelling often occurs in the lower body, such as the legs or feet, but when lying down, the face and areas around the eyes can also swell.

The cause of swelling lies in the lymphatic system. Lymph fluid moves through lymph vessels, and waste is filtered out at lymph nodes, keeping the fluid clean. Lymphedema occurs when this lymphatic system fails to function properly and the fluid cannot move normally. It is similar to a highway being completely blocked due to a car accident.

Edema is a very common symptom in humans, whose body weight is made up of 70% water. Two-thirds of the body's water is inside cells, and one-third exists as plasma in the blood and interstitial fluid between cells. Edema is the condition where the balance between intracellular fluid and interstitial fluid (extracellular fluid) is disrupted for some reason, causing the body to swell.

Who Should Be Careful About 'Lymphedema'

More than 20% of female cancer patients with breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and 15.5% of all cancer patients may develop secondary lymphedema, so caution is necessary. Lymphedema can occur in cases where ▲ lymph nodes are removed due to cancer surgery ▲ the lymphatic system is damaged during radiation therapy ▲ cancer has progressed or recurred with metastasis to lymph nodes.

Lymphedema may be difficult to detect visually in its early stages, so caution is needed. Feeling heaviness or pressure in the swollen area can be the first symptom of lymphedema. Generally, if the skin does not bounce back after pressing and releasing the swollen area, lymphedema can be suspected. Some patients experience abnormal sensations like pins and needles due to changes in peripheral nerves in the swollen area. The swollen arm or leg may also experience a bursting pain. Patients recovering from cancer surgery may have swelling in the arm, armpit, part of the chest, or the area treated with surgery or radiation.

When lymphedema occurs, swelling in the arms and legs can cause discomfort in daily life, such as putting on clothes or shoes. If lymphedema becomes chronic, fibrosis progresses in the tissue, causing deformity in appearance, and depending on the severity of swelling, heaviness, stiffness, and pain may accompany it, so active treatment is necessary.

How to Treat Lymphedema

Patients with lymphedema should consistently perform 'manual lymphatic drainage' to help lymph fluid drainage. For patients who do not see satisfactory effects after more than a year of conservative treatments such as compression therapy or exercise, surgery may be selectively considered.

In terms of lifestyle, it is recommended to have dinner early and in small amounts, and to sleep about two hours after eating. Also, to limit salt and fluid intake, soups or stews should be avoided at dinner. Generally, adults consume an average of about 2800cc of fluids daily through three meals and coffee, but if urine output is low and swelling is severe, fluid intake should be limited to about 1500cc per day.

Additionally, patients with edema should elevate their legs when sitting or lying down. Light full-body exercises such as walking or cycling help blood circulation and reduce swelling. In severe cases, 'intermittent pneumatic compression devices' can be used to circulate blood from the arms and legs to the kidneys and heart, alleviating symptoms. Although saunas and hot baths promote overall blood circulation, they can cause fatigue and weakness, so caution is advised.

Professor Yoo Hyun-joon of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Korea University Anam Hospital advised, "Minimizing causes that can worsen lymphedema is as important as treating it." He added, "Going back and forth between hot and cold baths in a sauna, wearing tight clothes or accessories, or trying to reduce swelling through excessive exercise can actually worsen lymphedema, so caution is necessary."