• don't use blood pressure cuffs on the swollen limb
• wear only elastic bandages or stockings without constrictive bands
• don't sit longer than 30 minutes without changing position.
5. Check the limb daily for signs of change. Especially watch for signs of infection—redness, pain, heat,
swelling or fever—and call your doctor immediately if any signs appear. Be sure to report any sensation of
swelling or sudden increase in fluid.
6. Practice your drainage-promoting exercises faithfully.
7. After the limb has healed, gradually return to your normal activity. But always practice protective procedures
edema can come back if you get an injury.
Milking Your Muscles Exercising your muscles is vital if you want to prevent lymphedema . It is just as vital if you want to control it. The compression of your muscles helps to milk the fluid in the lymphatics back toward your heart.
Physical therapists can recommend the most appropriate exercises for you. Many people are often encouraged to walk or ride a bicycle to help improve the lymphatic flow. Breast cancer patients are usually
