Lymphedema Signs and Symptoms

Limb Heaviness

Limb heaviness is the most common early symptom of lymphedema 

Aching, Fatigued Limbs

Aching limbs or unusual and excessive pain/discomfort and fatigue in the limbs

Pitting Edema

Evident when the skin is depressed with your finger for a few seconds and the indentation does not immediately disappear

Swelling (Edema)

Tightness of the skin and awareness that clothing, shoes and jewelry feel tighter in the affected extremity

Decreased Range of Motion

Inability to move your joints and limbs to a normal degree

Decreased Functional Mobility

Inability to stand, walk or move your body normally

Fibrosis

Hardening or scarring of tissue in response to chronic inflammation 

Skin Changes

Redness/purplish discoloration, dryness, increased warmth

Decreased Muscle Strength

A feeling of muscle weakness that may lead to physical limitations

Open Wounds (Venous Ulcers)

A slow-to-heal sore on your leg caused by weak blood circulation in the limb

Stemmer Sign

A thickened skin fold (when pinched at the base of the second toe or finger) that may be a clinical indicator of lymphedema

Pain, Discomfort, Tightness

Lymphedema is often accompanied by a feeling of pain, discomfort and tightness in the affected area

Dysphagia

Difficulty swallowing 

Vocal Changes

Including difficulty speaking 

Difficulty Breathing

Internal swelling of the larynx can make it difficult to breath