Getting advice and starting treatment as soon as you notice any signs and symptoms can help to reduce the risk of the lymphoedema getting worse.
The signs and symptoms of early lymphoedema include the following:
- Swelling – your clothing, shoes or jewellery (rings or watches) may feel tighter than usual. This may be the first thing you notice before you see any swelling.
- Change in sensation – the limb or area may feel heavy, tight, full or stiff.
- Skin changes – the skin in the area may feel tight or stretched and sometimes the texture can feel thicker. Skin may also be dry, flaky, rough or scaly.
- Aching in the affected area.
It is important to get advice from your doctor or specialist nurse as soon as you notice any swelling, tightness or aching.