Lymphedema is how your body responds to several medical issues and can occur from a combination of conditions, medications, or other contributing factors. This can result in various degrees of swelling in a limb or body part. Inflammatory issues are often related to the lymphatic system.
Risk Factors for Lyphedema Include the Following
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Lipedema
- Post thrombotic syndrome
- Vein stripping or harvesting
- Trauma
- Scars
- Burns
- Lymph node dissection or removal
- Autoimmune disorders
- Radiation treatment
- Chronic wounds
- Surgery (abdominal procedures, hysterectomy, TKR, THR, revascularization, etc.)
- Cellulitis, dermatitis, or chronic skin infections
- Hyperthyroidism
- Chronic skin disorders and inflammation
- Prolonged dependency of the limb or other body parts
- Medications with edema as a side effect
- Arteriovenous shunt
- Cancer
- Genetic or congenital malformation of the lymphatic structure
- Obesity
- Decreased mobility (especially due to aging, CVA, TBI, SCI, immobilization, etc.)
- Amputation related complications
