13 Treatments and Home Remedies for Lymphedema

Certain breast cancer treatments, such as surgery and radiation, can cause lymphedema — abnormal swelling that develops when the lymph system is damaged or overwhelmed, causing lymph fluid to build up.

There are surgical and non-surgical treatments that can help you manage symptoms, keep flare-ups under control, and prevent the lymphedema from getting worse. A lymphedema specialist can advise you on a treatment plan based on the lymphedema’s stage and severity.

There are several non-invasive treatments — from exercises to devices to special garments — that help reduce symptoms of early-stage lymphedema. 

What you eat can help, too. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water and eating foods that are low in salt and trans fats and high in fiber to keep the lymphatic system as healthy as possible. 

1. Arm elevation

Keeping your arm elevated allows gravity to help drain any accumulated fluid. Follow your lymphedema specialist’s instructions on how to position your arm (usually above heart level), and how long and often you should keep your arm elevated throughout the day.

2. Lymphedema exercises

Lymphedema exercises and stretches can help improve flexibility and strength and encourage lymph to flow. When you gently contract the muscles of a swollen arm or hand, for example, the accumulated lymph is more likely to flow out of the affected area.

3. Compression sleeves and garments

There are various styles and types of compression sleeves and garments for lymphedema, including fingerless gloves or gauntlets, support bras, and vests. Compression garments are made of stretchy fabric and apply pressure to the arm, hand, or trunk to help lymph flow and stop it from accumulating. 

4. Compression wraps and bandages

Similar to compression sleeves and garments, lymphedema compression wraps and bandages also apply pressure to the affected area to help drain lymph. Depending on your lymphedema treatment plan, you may be advised to bandage the affected area every day for a few weeks. 

5. Foam pads and bags

Some lymphedema specialists recommend using foam pads and bags of shredded foam (also called foam chip bags) together with compression wraps and bandages or compression garments. Foam pads and chip bags apply pressure to the affected area and help to reduce swelling and soften tissue affected by later-stage lymphedema. Your lymphedema specialist can help you pick the right foam pad or chip bag and show you how to place these under your bandages or compression garments. 

6. Kinesio tape

Kinesio tape is a flexible, adhesive tape typically used to support certain muscles and joints that some experts recommend for people with lymphedema. When placed on a swollen area, the Kinesio tape pulls the skin slightly and creates a space between the top layer of skin and the underlying tissues that allows lymph to flow. The effect of Kinesio tape is similar to manual lymphatic drainage, except you get the benefits of drainage for however long you leave the tape on.

Some people might find using Kinesio tape easier than using compression wraps and bandages. But since it’s an adhesive tape, there’s a greater risk of injury to the skin. Make sure your lymphedema specialist has experience working with Kinesio tape and shows you how to use the tape safely before you use it on your own, and don’t tape over skin that is already irritated.

7. Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage — sometimes called lymphatic drainage massage — is a massage technique that moves excess lymph from a swollen area back into the lymphatic vessels. The specialist uses gentle movements that apply light pressure to the affected area. 

Some people might need manual lymphatic drainage five days a week for an extended period of time, and others might need the treatment three times a week for a few weeks, depending on the lymphedema’s stage and severity. Make sure your lymphedema specialist is experienced in manual lymphatic drainage or can recommend a physical therapist experienced in lymphedema treatments.

Although more research is needed to see whether manual lymphatic drainage is effective, some studies have shown that people up to age 60 benefit from this treatment.

8. Complete decongestive therapy

Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is an intensive program that combines many different lymphedema treatments, including compression wraps and bandages, compression sleeves, manual lymphatic drainage, and exercise.

9. Pneumatic pumps

Although not widely used anymore, pneumatic lymphedema pumps can work well for some people when combined with other treatments. They consist of padded, inflatable sleeves, vests, or stockings that are attached to a pump. The pump applies pressure to the affected area off and on to reduce swelling and stimulate lymph flow.

There are laser and surgical treatments that help reduce symptoms of severe, later-stage lymphedema. 

10. Low-level laser therapy

Doctors use low-level laser therapy to reduce swelling and help improve the range of motion in the affected area. Infrared lasers penetrate the affected tissue and change the cells that are causing inflammation.  Even if you receive this treatment in the hospital, you can go home the same day.

11. Liposuction

Plastic surgeons specializing in liposuction for lymphedema remove the affected tissue so you can continue receiving non-surgical lymphedema treatments. Because liposuction removes adipose tissue — not fluid — it’s used more frequently for stage 2-3 lymphedema. Liposuction can help reduce the size/volume of the affected area, reduce pain and swelling, improve mobility, and decrease the risk of skin infection (cellulitis).

Not all plastic surgeons who perform liposuction are qualified to perform liposuction for lymphedema.

12. Lymph node transfer

Microsurgery uses precision instruments and magnification for intricate procedures. This type of surgery is not widely available, but research on its effectiveness is promising. 

For a lymph node transfer surgery, microsurgeons replace damaged lymph nodes with healthy lymph nodes taken from other areas in your body and rewire the lymphatic system so lymph can flow normally again. This procedure, which is performed with general anesthesia, takes three hours and usually requires a one- to two-day hospital stay.

13. Lymphatic bypass surgery (lymphaticovenous anastomosis)

In lymphatic bypass surgery, microsurgeons connect and reroute lymphatic vessels and veins to let lymph flow freely through the lymphatic system. This procedure, which is performed with general anesthesia, takes about two hours, and you can usually leave the hospital the same day.

Your lymphedema specialist may recommend a combination of non-surgical and surgical lymphedema treatments based on a few factors. 

Lymphedema stage and severity

Early-stage lymphedema, which causes mild swelling, doesn’t need as much treatment as later-stage lymphedema, which causes chronic swelling and scarring of the soft tissue under the skin. Although later-stage lymphedema isn’t reversible, a combination of treatments can help ease swelling.

Your treatment goals

Some people prefer an aggressive treatment plan, and others prefer a modified treatment plan that takes their usual daily routine into account. Depending on the stage of lymphedema, some people might need treatment on and off for the rest of their lives, and others might only need treatment for a few weeks with regular monitoring.

Some, but not all, health insurance plans cover lymphedema treatments and visits with a lymphedema specialist. A 2023 study found that, in the U.S., less than 12% of people with health insurance and even fewer people without health insurance have access to compression treatments and surgery for lymphedema.

Triage Cancer has a guide listing which states have laws requiring private insurance companies to cover lymphedema compression garments, and what Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, and VA Health cover. 

If your insurance plan isn’t covering your lymphedema treatments, it may be worth asking your doctor to help you appeal the insurance company’s decision. You can point out to the insurance company that the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 (WHRCA) requires most group and individual health plans to cover treatment for lymphedema in people who’ve had a mastectomy.

There are also nonprofit organizations that help provide lymphedema compression garments to people who can’t afford them, such as the National Lymphedema Network and the LIVE Today Foundation.

Members of the Breastcancer.org Community have shared lots of tips for managing lymphedema. Remember, it's important to talk to your doctor before incorporating any new treatments or techniques.

"I have breast lymphedema from radiation (I was OK after surgery) and tried acupuncture … it helped reduce the swelling some. I still do the manual drainage massage and exercises so it won't get worse. Compression hurts the nerve damage in the radiation field, so I don't wear any bras or garments, which some people find helpful." —maggie15

"I have breast lymphedema, and that Flexitouch/physiotouch machine [an at-home pneumatic compression system] is awesome! I had manual lymphatic drainage therapy, cold laser on my scars, and the physiotouch. And Kinesio tape. I think the physiotouch did the most good." —LoveMyVizla

"Seeing a physical therapist is definitely worthwhile. She made a big difference in helping me reduce swelling after surgery and throughout radiation. She helped me regain range of motion. She fitted me for compression sleeves and showed me how to use KT [kinesiology tape]. So very helpful." —GoKale4320

 

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