Reducing Your Risk

In theory we all know what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle, just like we know that it can be difficult to put it into practice. There are a few tips and tricks that may reduce your risk of lymphoedema and help to prevent your lymphoedema from getting worse – they may also have a positive impact on your body and mind!

Maintain a healthy weight

Eating healthy and especially maintaining a healthy weight can lower your risk of lymphoedema.

Learn more about lymphoedema and nutrition

Exercise

Regular exercise and being active supports the muscle pump which stimulates the lymph flow. Contact your healthcare professional to develop an exercise program to suit you.

Find more information about exercising with lymphoedema

Take care of your limb

Pay attention to the early signs and symptoms of lymphoedema or any changes in your symptoms. Protect your limb from skin injuries (e.g. scratches or cuts), sun burns and hot temperatures.

Be prepared

Immediately disinfect any scratches, cuts or insect bites. Be prepared and carry a small first aid kit.

Develop and maintain a skin care routine

Skin care is an important routine to help reduce the risk of infection and to support your skin barrier, while wearing your compression. Keep your skin clean and moisturise regularly.

Avoid tight clothes

Tight clothes, bras or waist bands impair the blood and the lymph flow and can increase your swelling. Loosen your clothes and during long journeys move and stretch regularly.

Self Lymphatic Massage

You can learn how to perform Lymphatic Drainage by yourself, this is called Simple Lymphatic Drainage (SLD). Your therapist can show you how to do this to relief your symptoms.