What Are Lymphedema Home Treatment Options?
The good news is that there are lymphedema self treatment options that can help you get relief from symptoms. The key is complete decongestive therapy, which combines several treatment methods to provide maximum relief. Here are some of the things you can do at home to keep your lymphedema under control.

Elevation
It’s harder for fluid to flow against gravity, so your lymphatic system may have a tough time draining if fluid is building up in your legs. Elevating the affected part of your body can help prevent fluid buildup to reduce swelling in the affected area. If you have acute damage to your lymphatic system, elevating the affected limb can move lymph fluid to a functional part of the lymphatic system, allowing it to drain properly.
If you’re dealing with severe swelling that’s causing discomfort, pain, or decreased range of motion, elevation can be a self management option.
Compression
Wearing compression garments for lymphedema is one of the most popular treatment options. Compression garments apply gentle pressure to the affected limb(s), which helps prevent fluid buildup and encourage the flow of lymph fluid, even when gravity is working against it. There are compression stockings and compression sleeves with different levels of compression available. Before you wear these compression garments, you should talk to your doctor or lymphedema specialist to make sure you’re using them properly.
There are also pneumatic compression devices such as the Flexitouch Plus System from Tactile Medical. These devices help apply gentle pneumatic pressure to facilitate the flow of lymph fluid. Compression garments and pneumatic compression devices aren’t typically used independently. Instead, they are both used as part of a comprehensive treatment program, which may include exercise, manual lymphatic drainage massages, adequate skin and nail care, and a healthy diet. The Flexitouch Plus System is available for lower body, upper body, and head and neck treatment.
Skin treatment
Skincare is another vital part of managing lymphedema. Lymphedema increases your risk of infection if you have an injury, so it’s important to make sure your skin is moisturized properly. You should apply lotion at least once per day and make sure you keep your skin clean and dry otherwise. Cutting your fingernails and toenails can also help prevent scratches, which lowers your risk of infections due to cuts where bacteria can enter.
Manual lymphatic drainage
When it comes to encouraging lymphatic drainage, one of the best things you can do is learn how to do a lymphatic massage. This is a simple technique that involves using your hands to gently guide the flow of lymph fluid. While lymphatic drainage massages are easy to do at home, there’s a very specific method involved. You can talk to your doctor or lymphedema specialist about how to perform a manual lymphatic drainage massage as part of your lymphedema self care treatment plan.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the easiest and most beneficial self care lymphedema therapy steps you can take. Exercise helps encourage blood flow as well as lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce swelling and the symptoms that come along with it. As an added benefit, exercise allows you to keep your weight in check, which is a risk for lymphedema and lymphedema complications.
At the very least, you should try to get about 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. Daily exercise can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood or performing tasks around your house. If you can’t manage to exercise daily, aim to get 30 minutes of exercise at least four or five days a week.