Arm Elevation and Exercise

Arm elevation

If you have ANY arm swelling or infection, get into the habit of resting your arm in an elevated position whenever possible. Keep your hand and elbow higher than your shoulder, and higher than your heart. This eases the drainage of lymph fluid from the affected arm back into circulation. If you rest your arm on a hard piece of furniture, like the back of a chair, don't put pressure on your armpit area. And don't hold up your arm without support for very long, since this will strain your arm muscles and may cause more swelling.

Mild exercise

Exercise can help you manage lymphedema because it is nature's way of moving lymphatic fluid up the arm, against the force of gravity, back into circulation. The contraction of the muscles around the filled lymphatic channels results in a type of "milking" action, which helps push the fluid up and out of the arm area.

But exercise also increases blood flow to the arm, which increases the amount of lymph fluid that needs to be drained. As a result, moderate exercise combined with customized bandaging is a very effective way to pump lymphatic fluid back into circulation. For this approach to work best, the bandage needs to be applied correctly (get individual instruction for this).

Here are some types of mild exercise that can help with arm swelling:

• Flexibility exercises are easy to perform and can help you maintain a wide range of motion.
• Arm stretches also increase flow in the lymphatic channels.
• Gradual strengthening exercises with light weights (one- or two-pound) may be helpful.
• Swimming is an ideal exercise because it combines muscle action on the inside with the additional benefit of water pressure on the outside of the arm.

Deep lung action that goes along with vigorous exercise (as well as a good belly laugh!) has been said to create a suction effect on the lymph system, promoting lymph flow.

But be cautious about any strenuous activity that involves repetitive, resistance-oriented movement in the at-risk arm. Examples include vacuuming the house from top to bottom (let someone else do it!), picking up your child or grandchild repeatedly in the heat of summer, and moving furniture or heavy boxes. Such exertions may increase the blood flow to the arm too much.

Whether you have lymphedema or not, you should monitor the effects of exercise and activity on your affected arm. Be sure to check with your doctor before you start any new exercise program or push your limit of activity.

Weight loss

Weight gain is common with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and the inactivity that tends to accompany treatment, and can add to your arm edema problem. Losing weight may help you reduce the lymphedema in your arm.

Of course, losing weight is hard to do. Restricting your salt and sugar intake will reduce the amount of fluid your body retains. This may help control your weight and reduce the fluid buildup in your arm. But you still need to drink a lot of water for your overall health.