{"id":5063,"date":"2025-03-07T10:57:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T10:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/news\/lymphedema-causes-symptoms-and-the-importance-of-awareness\/"},"modified":"2025-09-29T09:12:07","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T09:12:07","slug":"lymphedema-causes-symptoms-and-the-importance-of-awareness","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/news\/lymphedema\/","title":{"rendered":"Lymphedema: causes, symptoms, and the importance of awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Lymphedema<\/strong> is a chronic health condition caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues, most commonly in the arms or legs, but it can affect other parts of the body as well. This disease results from <strong>lymphatic system dysfunction<\/strong>, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance and immune defense. Lymphedema can significantly impact the quality of life, but timely <strong>diagnosis<\/strong> and <strong>appropriate<\/strong> therapy can alleviate <strong>symptoms<\/strong> and prevent <strong>complications<\/strong>. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/about-us\/our-team\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"79\">medical team <\/a>will help you through the <strong>entire<\/strong> process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Causes and Types of Lymphedema<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lymphedema can be <strong>primary<\/strong> or <strong>secondary<\/strong>, depending on its underlying cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Primary lymphedema <\/strong>is a rare, inherited condition caused by congenital lymphatic system disorders. It can develop at any age, but the first symptoms often appear during adolescence or early adulthood. It is caused by abnormal development of the lymphatic vessels or nodes, leading to reduced lymph fluid flow and accumulation in the tissues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secondary lymphedema <\/strong>is much more common and occurs due to damage to the lymphatic system. The most common causes include surgical procedures, radiation, injuries, infections, or inflammatory conditions leading to lymphatic vessel blockages. Individuals who have undergone cancer treatment, especially for breast cancer, gynecological tumors, or melanoma, are at an increased risk of developing lymphedema, particularly if lymph nodes were removed or if they underwent radiation therapy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of the cause, <strong>lymphedema<\/strong> requires constant attention and appropriate therapy to prevent the worsening of symptoms and the <strong>development<\/strong> of complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Priora-fullHD-5.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lymphedema &#8211; <strong>Symptoms and Treatment Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Lymphedema is most commonly <strong>recognized<\/strong> by swelling in the affected part of the body, which can range from mild to pronounced. In addition to swelling, people with <strong>lymphedema<\/strong> often experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heaviness and tightness in the affected area<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pain and discomfort, especially when standing or sitting for long periods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thickening and tightness of the skin, which may lead to limited mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An increased risk of infections, such as cellulitis, due to reduced circulation and weakened immune function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>treatment of lymphedema<\/strong> focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing complications. Currently, no cure can completely resolve lymphedema, but there are effective therapeutic methods that help maintain an everyday life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compression therapy involves using elastic bandages or unique compression sleeves and stockings to help reduce swelling and encourage lymph flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manual lymphatic drainage <\/strong>\u2013 a special massage that helps move the accumulated lymph fluid toward healthy lymphatic vessels, thereby reducing swelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exercise and physiotherapy <\/strong>\u2013 gentle, controlled exercises improve circulation and prevent further fluid accumulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skincare<\/strong>: Individuals with lymphedema must pay special attention to hygiene and skin hydration to prevent infections, which can further worsen the condition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surgical interventions\u2014<\/strong>In severe cases, when conservative methods do not yield results, surgery may be performed to improve lymphatic fluid flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Timely recognition of symptoms and the early initiation of therapy are <strong>crucial<\/strong> for preventing deterioration and <strong>preserving<\/strong> the <strong>functionality<\/strong> of the affected body part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/44.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>World Lymphedema Day \u2013 The Importance of Raising Awareness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every year, <a href=\"https:\/\/lymphaticnetwork.org\/wld\/\"><strong>World Lymphedema Day <\/strong>is<\/a> observed to increase awareness of this condition and provide support to those affected. The goal of this day is <strong>public education<\/strong>, <strong>encouraging research<\/strong>, and improving access to treatment. Numerous <strong>organizations<\/strong> and <strong>associations<\/strong> worldwide organize events, campaigns, and lectures to raise awareness of the importance of early recognition and proper management of this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lymphedema<\/strong> is not only a <strong>physical burden <\/strong>but also an emotional and <strong>social strain <\/strong>for those affected. Many people face <strong>misunderstanding<\/strong> from those around them, lack of information, and difficulty accessing proper treatment. <strong>Raising awareness <\/strong>about this condition can help reduce stigma, foster a better understanding of the problem, and ensure a better quality of life for all those living with lymphedema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although <strong>lymphedema<\/strong> can be challenging, individuals can lead a fulfilling and active life with proper care, therapy, and support. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/contact\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"80\">Contact us<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"91\">Internacional Medical Centar Priora <\/a>for more information.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lymphedema is a chronic health condition caused by the accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues, most commonly in the arms or legs, but it can affect other parts of the body as well. This disease results from lymphatic system dysfunction, which is crucial for maintaining fluid balance and immune defense. Lymphedema can significantly impact [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5065,"template":"","news-category":[20],"class_list":["post-5063","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-category-for-patients"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/5063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"news-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.priora.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-category?post=5063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}