What is lymphoedema and is it painful?

Lymphoedema is a condition where fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, often causing swelling in the arms and legs, as well as other areas of the body. This happens when the lymphatic system – responsible for draining excess fluid – doesn’t function properly. The most common cause of lymphoedema we encounter in our service at Ashgate, is cancer related, as treatments like surgery or radiation can damage or block the lymphatic system. This prevents fluid from draining as it normally would, leading to a build-up.

Lymphoedema can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for patients. The swelling caused by the build-up of fluid in the tissues can lead to a heavy, tight feeling in the affected area. This can make movement difficult and cause discomfort, especially if the swelling is severe. In some cases, it can also cause aching, a sensation of fullness, and skin changes, putting the patient at risk of developing cellulitis – a painful infection of the skin and underlying tissues.

Is there any treatment for lymphoedema?

Managing lymphoedema through treatments like skincare, compression therapy, massage, and exercise can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort, allowing patients to feel more comfortable and improve their quality of life.

At Ashgate, we offer our Lymphoedema Service for individuals who have been referred to us by healthcare professionals. Each patient is unique, and their care plan reflects that. We start with a holistic assessment that considers their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. We work with the patient to understand their treatment goals – whether that’s reducing swelling, improving mobility, or enhancing their overall wellbeing. This collaborative approach ensures that the treatment plan is personalised and realistic.

Our service operates between Monday and Friday at our site in Old Brampton, and we also provide clinics twice a month at Blythe House and Chesterfield Royal Hospital’s National Garden Scheme Macmillan Unit. For patients who can’t come to our clinics, we offer home visits, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

What kind of treatments do people receive?

The treatment for lymphoedema typically focuses on self-management. This includes skincare advice, exercises to improve circulation, gentle massage, and compression therapy. Our Lymphoedema Specialist Nurses are trained in the Casley-Smith Method of the Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) – a form of massage that helps stimulate lymphatic flow.

For some patients, compression garments are essential, and we work closely with Patient Choice, an NHS commissioned home delivery service, to make sure our patients get their garments quickly and correctly.

We also offer advanced treatments such as negative pressure therapy using the 6D vacuum massage device, use of the LymphAssist Intermittent Compression Pump, multi-layer bandaging and therapeutic taping when appropriate. These treatments can help improve lymphatic flow, increase mobility, soften tissues and reduce swelling, and support the management of more severe cases of lymphoedema.

In addition to direct patient care, we collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, specialist nurses and community nurses, to provide well-rounded support. Our team also participates in training workshops and conferences to stay up to date with the latest advancements in lymphoedema treatment.

How can people learn more about lymphoedema care?

For anyone unfamiliar with lymphoedema, I encourage you to explore the wealth of resources available. Websites like the British Lymphology Society  and the Lymphoedema Support Network offer valuable information.

We also offer shadowing opportunities for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about lymphoedema management firsthand. And for those interested in further training, there are workshops organised by local tissue viability services, where our nurses often speak.

What is the most rewarding part of caring for lymphoedema patients?

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the positive impact our service has on our patients. I remember one patient who – after being diagnosed with cancer-related lymphoedema – felt completely overwhelmed. Through a combination of compression garments, self-management advice, and our ongoing support, their symptoms improved massively, and they were able to regain a sense of control over their daily life. This kind of success story is a reminder of how essential it is to provide care that is both professional and compassionate.

At Ashgate, we remain committed to providing the best care possible, working closely with patients and their healthcare teams to help them manage their condition, enabling them to live better and more fulfilling lives.