Background
A condition characterized by tissue swelling that results from an accumulation of protein-rich fluid due to poor lymphatic drainage.
What is lymphedema?
The most likely causes of bilateral swelling of the upper and/or lower extremities in an individual without history of primary or secondary lymphedema.
What is the heart, kidneys, or vascular?
These items may fit noticeably tighter on an individual who has begun developing lymphedema.
What are clothing, shoes, and jewelry?
One risk factor of lymphedema is chronic venous insufficiency. This is characterized by venous wounds which are dry and commonly found on this part of the lower leg.
What is the lateral aspect of the calves superior to the malleoli?
These 4 lifestyle behaviors/factors have been known to predispose an individual to lymphedema and serve as risk factors.
What are sedentary lifestyle, chronic smoking, poor nutrition, and chronic stress?
Lymphedema due to a congenital or hereditary defect.
What is primary lymphedema?
Two treatment/intervention options for individuals with non-lymphatic related swelling of the extremities that often do not work for individuals with lymphedema.
What are elevation of the limb(s) and diuretics?
An individual with lymphedema may complain of this feeling in their affected limb(s).
What is heaviness?
This risk factor causes mechanical compression, chronic inflammation, increased lymph load, lymphatic vessel changes, and overall reduced mobility.
What is obesity?
An individual with suspected or known but untreated lymphedema should not be diagnosed by you, but should be referred to these healthcare providers for follow-up.
Lymphedema is a(n) (acute/chronic) condition.
What is chronic?
A thorough review of an individual's past ... and current ... can help to quickly assess a situation and determine if this individual's swelling and associated symptoms are due to lymphatic-related swelling or not.
What is past medical history and current medications?
An individual with lymphedema may notice these skin changes which are often also painful.
What is firmer, thickened skin?
Conditions of this nature, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, and Sarcoidosis, serve as a risk factor for lymphedema.
What are inflammatory and autoimmune conditions?
A common misconception about lymphedema is that it only presents as visible swelling. Individuals with what stage of lymphedema display signs and symptoms indicative of impaired lymphatic function, but without this misconceived "hallmark sign".
What is Stage 0?
Lymphedema caused by an insult to the lymphatic system such as trauma, surgery, or radiation to the lymph nodes.
What is secondary lymphedema?
Lymphedema is characterized by these skin changes which accompany the persistence and worsening of swelling over time.
What are firm/thickened skin, discoloration, and recurrent skin infections?
An individual who has lymphedema may notice ... visibly between an affected and unaffected limb.
What is asymmetry?
An individual with a past tibial fracture may be at risk for developing lymphedema due to this risk factor.
What is history of trauma to extremities (including traumas or major surgeries)?
An individual with lymphedema of this stage has noticed their swelling no longer reduces slightly with elevation and that their skin of the swollen extremity has become firmer.