What are the Most Common Lymphedema Symptoms?

Lymphedema is a condition that results in the swelling of an individual's arms or legs. Generally only one limb is afflicted, and will show signs of feeling unnaturally heavy or have a susceptibility to infection. Portions of the limb or in some cases the entire limb can become swollen. Lymphedema symptoms remain much the same throughout the progression of the condition, but become gradually worse until leading to permanent damage if not corrected.

Swelling is the most noticeable of lymphedema symptoms. This problem occurs when there is a buildup of fluid in the lymph nodes. Usually the fluid is naturally drained from the lymph nodes as quickly as it builds up, but when this function is disrupted, the passages of the lymphatic system begin to swell. An entire arm or leg can become swollen, and in other cases it can affect one or more fingers or toes. In some cases, the swelling may be mild or barely noticeable; in other cases, it can be so drastic that there is a loss of the ability to use the afflicted limb.

When the swelling begins, there is typically a strange feeling in the limb. This can include the feeling of the skin being drawn taut, or the sensation of the muscles becoming heavy and sluggish. In the earliest stage, one of the most telltale signs of lymphedema symptoms occurs when pressure is put on the limb that feels questionable. When an individual can press on an area of the limb, and the skin and tissue beneath still show signs of indentation after releasing the pressure, it is possibly in the first stages of the condition.

In early stages, the swelling may seem to get worse as the day goes on, and some lymphedema symptoms fade during the night. Additionally, there is often a loss of motion in the limb, or in fine motor skills of the fingers. There can be a constant, dull ache that fills the whole limb or the extremities, depending on what is afflicted.

Lymphedema symptoms may also include changes in the skin. It may take on a hardened feel, and as the conditions continue there may also be a loss of feeling and sensation. At this stage, it is also common to suffer from infections centered around the lymph nodes that are blocked. Since the oxygen and blood flow to the limb are also decreased, the skin can become discolored or show signs of developing a rash.