Lymphedema

Lymphedema Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Lymphedema is a long-term condition where certain parts of the body swell because the lymphatic system is not working properly. Any area can be affected, but swelling most often occurs in the arms and legs. Across the United States, an estimated 300,000 people are living with lymphedema at any given time, including many here in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

In Grand Rapids, lymphedema is commonly seen after cancer treatments provided at major centers such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West (formerly Metro Health). Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

How the Lymphatic System Works

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and lymph nodes that helps:

• Maintain normal fluid balance in the body
• Filter out bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances
• Support the immune system with infection-fighting white blood cells

Fluid and proteins constantly leak from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. This “tissue fluid” nourishes cells and collects waste products. The lymphatic vessels drain this fluid—now called lymph—back into the bloodstream.

• Muscle movement and the natural contractions of larger lymph vessels help pump lymph through the body.
• One-way valves inside lymph vessels keep lymph flowing in the right direction and prevent backflow.
• Lymph nodes, located in the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groin, filter out microorganisms and debris.
• Finally, lymph returns to the bloodstream, mainly through large veins in the neck.

When this system is damaged or blocked, fluid and proteins build up in the tissues and cause lymphedema.

What Causes Lymphedema?

Primary Lymphedema

Primary lymphedema is caused by structural problems in the lymphatic system itself. This may include:

• Too few lymphatic vessels
• Vessels that are too small or poorly formed
• Vessels that pump sluggishly

Primary lymphedema can:

• Be present at birth (congenital lymphedema)
• Appear around puberty (lymphedema praecox)
• Develop later in adulthood (lymphedema tarda)

People with primary lymphedema have a higher risk of developing secondary lymphedema if they later undergo surgery, radiotherapy, or experience trauma that affects lymph drainage.

Secondary Lymphedema

Secondary lymphedema is more common and occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked by another condition or treatment. Causes include:

• Cancer-related surgery – especially when lymph nodes are removed (for example, breast, prostate, gynecologic, or bowel cancer surgery)
• Radiotherapy – radiation can scar or destroy lymph nodes and vessels
• Trauma or injury – damage to lymph vessels that does not heal properly
• Lack of movement – reduced muscle activity can allow lymph to pool, especially in the legs
• Allergic reactions – severe reactions can affect lymphatic flow
• Infections or parasites – in some parts of the world, worms and other parasites can block lymph vessels (less common in Michigan but seen in travelers)

In Grand Rapids, secondary lymphedema is most often seen:

• After breast cancer treatment (surgery and/or radiation)
• After treatment for prostate, gynecologic, or colorectal cancers
• In people with reduced mobility, chronic venous disease, or recurrent leg infections

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Treatment

Women (and some men) who undergo surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer are at particular risk of lymphedema of:

• The arm on the treated side
• The chest wall
• Remaining breast tissue

Risk depends on:

• How many lymph nodes are removed
• Whether radiotherapy is given
• Body weight and overall health
• Presence of infection or injury in the affected arm

Approximate risk figures:

• Around 10% of women may develop some degree of lymphedema after radiotherapy alone
• Up to one-third of women who have both surgery and radiotherapy (plus other risk factors) may be affected

Lymphedema can develop soon after treatment or many years later—even 20 years or more after cancer care at Grand Rapids hospitals.

Symptoms of Lymphedema

Lymphedema tends to develop gradually. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent swelling in part or all of an arm, leg, hand, foot, breast, chest, or groin
• A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected limb
• Tight or stretched skin, sometimes feeling like it is about to burst
• Warmer skin over the swollen area compared with other parts of the body
• Aching, discomfort, or pain
• Pins and needles or “darting” pains
• Reduced flexibility in nearby joints
• Clothing, shoes, jewelry, or watches feeling tighter than usual

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially after cancer treatment at a Grand Rapids hospital or clinic, talk to your primary care provider or oncologist promptly.

Swelling, Inflammation, and Infection Risk

When the lymphatic system cannot remove excess fluid and proteins effectively:

• Fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling (edema)
• Reduced oxygen delivery to cells can slow healing
• Extra proteins in the tissue trigger inflammation
• Over time, untreated lymphedema can lead to fibrosis (hardening and thickening of the tissues)

The combination of:

• Extra proteins
• Warm body temperature
• Reduced immune function in the area

creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal infections. Infections such as cellulitis can develop quickly and may require hospital treatment at facilities like Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Diagnosing Lymphedema in Grand Rapids

A healthcare provider in Grand Rapids—such as your primary care doctor, oncologist, or a certified lymphedema therapist—may use several methods to diagnose lymphedema:

• Physical examination

  • Review of your medical history (especially prior surgery, radiation, or injuries)
  • Comparison of limb size and skin changes

• Imaging and scans

  • CT scans or MRI when needed
  • Lymphoscintigraphy, a specialized scan that shows how lymph flows through the vessels

• Bioimpedance

  • Measures fluid content in tissues to detect early changes

• Perometry

  • Uses infrared light to measure limb volume and circumference

• Tonometry

  • Assesses tissue firmness to detect fibrosis and changes over time

Early evaluation is especially important for Grand Rapids residents who have completed cancer treatment at local centers and notice new or persistent swelling.

Treatment Options for Lymphedema

Lymphedema cannot always be cured, but it can usually be managed effectively. Treatment in Grand Rapids often involves a combination of therapies, tailored to your needs.

Complex Physical Therapy (CPT) / Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)

This is considered the gold standard for lymphedema treatment and may include:

• Compression therapy
  • Bandages or custom-fitted compression garments to promote lymph flow
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
  • Gentle, specialized massage techniques that move lymph toward healthy drainage areas
• Exercise
  • Specific movements that use muscle contraction to help pump lymph
• Skin care
  • Strategies to keep skin clean, moisturized, and protected to reduce infection risk

These services are often available through rehabilitation departments at Grand Rapids hospitals and specialized outpatient therapy clinics.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

A trained therapist—or sometimes the patient or a caregiver after proper instruction—uses light, rhythmic massage to:

• Direct lymph toward functioning lymph nodes
• Improve drainage in the affected limb
• Reduce swelling and discomfort

Medications

While there is no pill that cures lymphedema, certain medications may be used to:

• Treat or prevent infections (antibiotics)
• Reduce inflammation when appropriate
• In some cases, medications like benzopyrones have been used to help move proteins and fluid from tissues, though they are not standard first-line therapy in the U.S. and must be prescribed carefully.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level (cold) laser therapy may:

• Soften fibrotic (hardened) tissue
• Stimulate poorly functioning lymph vessels
• Improve comfort and range of motion

Some physical therapy and rehabilitation centers in West Michigan offer this modality as part of a comprehensive lymphedema program.

Vibratory Massage and Electrical Stimulation

Certain devices that gently vary tissue pressure or stimulate muscles may:

• Encourage fluid uptake into lymph vessels
• Support lymph flow when used under professional guidance

These are usually considered adjuncts to compression and exercise, not stand-alone treatments.

Surgical Options

Surgery is not suitable for everyone and is usually considered only when conservative measures have not provided enough relief. Types of surgery may include:

• Lymphatic transplant

  • Transferring lymphatic vessels from a healthy area to the affected region

• Lympho-venous anastomosis (LVA)

  • Connecting blocked lymphatic vessels directly to nearby veins to bypass obstructions

• Liposuction

  • Removing excess fatty and fibrotic tissue between the skin and muscle
  • Most beneficial in the “fatty” middle stage of lymphedema

If you are considering surgery, you may be referred from a Grand Rapids provider to a regional or national center specializing in lymphedema surgery.

Living With Lymphedema in Grand Rapids: Self‑Care Tips

Areas affected by lymphedema are more prone to infection and injury. Good daily care is especially important in Michigan, where cold, dry winters can dry and crack the skin, and hot, humid summers can increase swelling.

Skin Care and Protection

• Keep the skin clean and well moisturized to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Avoid cuts, abrasions, burns, and insect bites on the affected area whenever possible.
• Use gloves for gardening, housework, or outdoor projects.
• Do not allow the skin to become sunburned—use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Avoid direct heat such as hot tubs, very hot baths, saunas, or prolonged sunbathing, which can increase swelling.
• In winter, protect your limbs from cold and wind with appropriate clothing and moisturize more frequently to combat dry indoor air.

Clothing and Support Garments

• Wear properly fitted compression garments as recommended by your therapist or physician.
• Have your bra professionally fitted if you have breast or chest wall lymphedema; ill-fitting bras can worsen swelling.
• Avoid tight jewelry, watches, or clothing that restricts circulation or compresses the affected area.

Activity and Exercise

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods without moving. If you must sit, elevate the affected limb when possible.

• Engage in regular, gentle exercise, such as:

  • Walking on Grand Rapids trails or in local parks
  • Swimming in indoor pools (a good option during Michigan winters)
  • Gentle stretching or resistance exercises
  • Tai chi or qi gong, which have been shown to help arm lymphedema

• Higher-intensity exercise can be beneficial, but consult your healthcare professional before starting a new activity.

• Avoid carrying heavy loads with the affected limb for long periods, as this can hinder lymph drainage.

Medical Procedures and Travel

• Whenever possible, have blood draws, injections, and blood pressure measurements taken from the unaffected arm.
• If the affected arm must be used, ensure the site is well cleaned and watch closely for early signs of infection (redness, warmth, pain, fever).
• During long car or plane trips from Grand Rapids, take breaks to walk and stretch, and consider wearing compression garments as advised.

Local Resources for Lymphedema in Grand Rapids, MI

If you suspect you have lymphedema or need help managing it, start with:

• Your primary care provider or oncologist – They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a certified lymphedema therapist.
• Hospital-based rehab programs – Many Grand Rapids hospitals (Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and University of Michigan Health-West) offer physical and occupational therapy services with lymphedema expertise.
• Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health resources – Can help connect you with local clinics, support programs, and chronic disease management resources.
• National organizations – Such as the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) and American Lymphedema Framework Project, which offer education and support.

Ask your care team about insurance coverage and financial assistance programs that may help with the cost of compression garments and therapy services.

When to Seek Urgent Help

Contact a healthcare provider right away or go to an emergency department at a Grand Rapids hospital if you have lymphedema and notice:

• Sudden increase in swelling or pain
• Red, hot, or tender skin over the affected area
• Fever, chills, or feeling unwell
• Rapidly spreading redness or streaks on the skin

These may be signs of a serious infection that requires prompt treatment.

Key Points About Lymphedema in Grand Rapids

• Lymphedema is long-term swelling caused by problems with the lymphatic system.
• It most often affects the arms or legs, but can involve the chest, breast, or groin.
• Cancer treatments, especially surgery and radiotherapy that remove or damage lymph nodes, are major causes of secondary lymphedema in West Michigan.
• The lymphatic system uses one-way valves and muscle movement to keep lymph flowing; when this fails, fluid and proteins build up and cause swelling.
• Untreated lymphedema can lead to fibrosis, reduced oxygen to tissues, and recurrent infections.
• Early diagnosis and treatment—including compression, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and good skin care—can greatly improve symptoms.
• Grand Rapids residents have access to high-quality lymphedema care through local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and public health resources.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about swelling or possible lymphedema, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss evaluation and local treatment options.