Will Walking and Weight Loss help

[cutiebabiesbyr]

With the swelling I have, I have LE and was just diagnosed I was wondering if losing weight and walking will help keep my legs from swelling and keep it under control. Any input will make me happy.

Thanks.

[Cassie]

Hi!

Since you were just diagnosed, I wonder if you've been referred to a lymphedema therapist for treatment? You'll need someone who's well trained in treating lymphedema. They'll do an evaluation and then begin a "Therapy Intensive", which is a series of treatments with special lymph drainage massage and daily wrapping with special short-stretch bandages. They'll also teach you some exercises to do with your bandages on that will help to drain the excess lymph fluid and keep it from swelling again. After you're done with the Intensive you'll be fitted for compression stockings that will help you maintain control of the lymphedema. That's when you can start to consider if walking will help you or not. Your therapist will be able to make suggestions about that.

As for weight loss, there are studies that show that weight loss does result in reduction of swelling and helps to keep it in control. So it's really important, but it's only one part of the total treatment for your lymphedema.

Hang in there! With good treatment by a well-trained therapist you'll soon be back in control of your life!
Cassie

[tiggsdacat]

Hi there,
I've had primary lymphedema in my right leg just about my whole life but it got especially worse in my late teens/ early 20's. It was bad, i had one foot twice the size of the other...I called it my ugly foot..lol. But i went to my therapist and we did those wrappings, and massages, i got an at home pump the insurance was awesome to pay for that i could use nightly and compression stockings to use daily. Mind you when my lymphedema got worse, i had gained about 20-30 lbs so that exacerbated my issues. The therapy worked great getting my right foot almost identical to my left. I lost that excess weight and found out any exercise such as walking, elipitical, biking, anything that worked my calf helped to keep that fluid from accumulating. The summers are worse, something to do with the heat and humidity makes the swelling come back, but im to a point that i dont have to wear the stockings all the time...just like if im going to be on my feet all day or in the summer but its definitely way more manageable. Now, my aunt has primary lymphedema aswell but heres's the difference. She is overweight, does not exercise or really even take care of her conditon and her condition worsened to the point that both of her legs are gigantic, she has really low mobility and now its a vicious cycle, she cant lose weight cuz she cant move but she cant move cuz she cant lose weight. She has been my motivator to stay on top of my condition, I hope this helps you with yours.

[Cindyy]

Here is another solution for swelled feet...
You should dip your feet in warm salty water for fifteen minutes ...
I hope you would get benefit with it...

personal trainers orange county

[Ann]

I've heard of some doctors recommending soaking swollen feet in epson salts in warm water. The only alert is not to soak too long and do not have the water too warm.

Since lymphedema differs in so many ways, doing as you did and asking for advice it is a great idea.

Ann

[Hiali]

Well, as always you should consult a specialist on the subject first. I know from my experience that being active has helped me. For those who do not have lyphedema, exercise and physical exertion is one of the main ways lymph tissue does get moved around. I would at least try the walking around and getting some exertion to see if it works for you. I think it is good to have as many homeopathic remedies as possible. Anything we can do from home is great IMO.

[Devin]

Well,thanks for providing useful information....In my point of view walking and swimming are the best way to reduce weight..!

[mpinkert]

Hi,
My therapist recommends shoes with the rocker soles to stimulate your calves and ankles more. Timberland and Clarks make different types, and there are more brands, too.

[Greg]

I would worry about wearing rocker soled shoes because I would be concerned being unbalanced and falling.

At least I would want to try the shoes on and walking in them to be certain that I felt safe.

Greg

[pain4life]

I have LE in left leg,ive had 2 failed back surgeries and i also battle scoliosis.I notice alot of ppl talking about walking to stimulate the lymph fluid? I can barely stand on that foot for maybe 15min.at the most.The pain is unbarable! Ive also not been able to wear shoes for over a year now because of the size of my foot.If it were only the swelling that i had to deal with than i would be walking around the block daily!! I can't even go to the store? If i attempt walking for any period of time,i am in tears.My foot becomes so large i have no choice but to get off of it.I guess im trying to answer my own question,"why is my lyphedema different?"

[Barry]

Are you able to use a swimming pool so that you can move your legs without the weight of your body making it painful. It might help -- particularly if you hold on to the edge of the pool to relieve any excess weight on your legs.
You might even try a floating device. Just don't get in over your depth.

At least it is worth trying.

Good luck, Bary

[renita]

I have lost over 230 lbs. since 2006 and it has improved my Lymphedema considerably, but I still have to do the daily Manual Lymph Drainage Massage for it to really move the lymphatic system. I also go swimming and that helps alot. I also use my resistance tubes and swiss ball. They all help, because as I'm doing them, I can feel my lymph drain. Walking doesn't seem to help that much, but I can't walk that far yet, so I wouldn't know. Standing is not an option for me either with my legs in their current condition and my weight still high. I'm continuing to work on it all. Weight loss is definitely a help though. Please do so, if you need to.

[Linda]

I hope you take pride in successfully reducing, and keeping up your exercise. Your message proves that following the guidelines really can help you get better despite having lymphedema.

I wish there were more people like you who could help others (perhaps through a support group) so that you could help others get started on the path toward getting better control over their lymphedema. Certainly it is not something that anyone wants to continue putting up with.

Best wishes to you!

Linda

[AnneR]

To Pain4Life, I made a discovery that my aqua therapists did not suggest to me for my scoliosis. If I wear a float belt just above my waist, it will lift me up high enough to get my feet off the bottom. This allows my back to hang as straight as it will go while I do some trunk exercises. I figure if I can strengthen my trunk it will help to hold me upright when my spine won't. The water is a wonderful place to hang out (pun intended) for bad backs to work against gravity. Of course it also is a great place for stimulating our lymph systems. I hope you can get access to a pool somewhere.