Lymphedema is a very common and venous condition, affecting at least 5 million Americans.

Lymphedema is the unhealthy accumulation of of lymph fluid in your body. Lymph fluid helps fight infection and disease by collecting wastes through your body when extra fluid builds up in your body it causes swelling, usually in the arms or legs. This results from injury, surgery, cancer treatment or is sometimes a hereditary disorder. It can develop soon after treatment or may show up months or years later.

Once you develop lymphedema your condition can be managed, but not cured. It is important that you become informed and do everything you can to prevent lymphedema from developing.

Signs of Lymphedema
  • Swelling of part or entirely of your arm or leg which may include your fingers and toes
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness in your arm or leg
  • Aching pain or discomfort in your arms or legs
  • Recurring infections in your affected limbs
  • Hardening of the skin on your affected area
  • Rough sandpaper texture to the skin of the affected area
  • Loss of sensation in the affected area

Bradenton East Integrative Medicine provides patient evaluation and treatment services for those with this condition by a certified Lymphedema Therapist and a licensed nurse and Nutritional Counselor who works under the supervision of Karen Brainard, MD.