Back to the Table of Contents Emotional problems associated with lymphedema are not uncommon. The need to address the psychological aspects, especially with adolescent patients, cannot be overemphasized. Emphasis should be placed on the individual's ability to modify the course of lymphedema by careful attention to the details of the medical program. Some people reduce their activity in response to uncomfortable or heavy sensations in the affected limb. This is not necessary nor is it healthy.
Regular exercise appears to reduce lymphedema as long as good compressive support is applied.
Swimming is a particularly good activity because the surrounding hydrostatic pressure of the water means compressive support isn't needed. Compressive support should be fitted to the limb after the edema has been reduced as much as possible by compression and elevation. This is important, because compressive stockings do not reduce the size of the leg but only maintain the circumference to which they are fitted. If the limb is fitted for a stocking while in a swollen state, it will be maintained by the stocking in a swollen state. To reduce the swelling to a minimum may take several days of elevation and bandaging.