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FACTS:

• Lymphedema is a condition where excess fluid becomes trapped in tissue and causes swelling.
  
• The problem may be caused by too few lymph nodes in a limb or a blockage of the lymphatic vessels. These vessels are small channels like blood vessels that contain a clear fluid called lymph.
  
• This problem usually affects the legs but can affect the arms.  It may only affect one limb or several.
  
• A significant increase in swelling may occur over time, resulting in limbs that are clearly enlarged.
  
• Infection is the most common complication.
  
• Some children might have difficulty in wearing shoes or pants, or using an affected limb in daily activities. 

TREATMENT:

•  Usually the swelling becomes less pronounced with age and the majority of children just need supportive treatment, but approximately one third of patients will need surgical intervention. 
  
• Elevating a limb to help drain fluid is often helpful
  
• Look for looser clothing for a child and shoes that allow the swollen foot to be comfortable.
  
• Excellent foot care is essential in making sure there are no ingrown toenails, that toe nails are cut straight across, making sure the skin between the toes is kept dry and very clean to prevent fungus from developing.
  
• Exercise and activity help lymph fluid decrease.   Swimming is excellent, as is riding a bike, using a trampoline, or walking up steps. 
  
• Supportive stockings and elastic garments worn throughout the day, over the affected limb, may decrease swelling.
  
• If available, overnight use of an intermittent pneumatic compression pump (a device that moves fluid from the end of a limb upwards towards the heart) can also be very effective.
  
• Skin care is extremely important, and infection should be promptly treated with antibiotics and bed rest.
  
• Consult with a doctor if fever, redness, and tenderness are present in the affected limb.
  
•  When supportive measures fail, and a limb becomes too heavy to maneuver during daily activities and/or when normal clothing or shoes cannot be worn, surgical options may be considered.
  
• Patients with recurrent infections may also benefit from surgery.