Lymphedema in my leg: Any idea how to get the swelling down?

Hi, Candy.
After I had a stroke, I had swelling on my affected side.

I was told to keep the leg elevated when sitting, exercise the leg as much as possible, limit my salt intake, and sleep with a pillow or pad under my legs.

That helped a lot. Exercise was an especially good thing, as it also helped strengthen my legs.

Have you tried any of that?

Good luck!

swt1candy,
There are lymphatic massage specialist through physical therapy, but I haven't seen it effective on anyone. Someone had the question here in 2023.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/has-anyone-had-success-reducing-ankle-swelling/
and there is a surgery
https://umiamihealth.org/treatments-and-services/university-of-miami-lymphatic-program/lymphedema-surgery
best wishes

@swt1candy
My understanding is elevation of your leg, special massage to drain lymph fluid, compression garments, low salt diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercise is best to help this condition.

Hello Candy @swt1candy, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with the other members who have offered some helpful suggestions. I also have lymphedema in both legs with my right leg being slight worse with the swelling. I was prescribed 20 to 30 mmhg compression socks to wear during the day to help with the swelling. In addition to the compression socks, I also use some of the other suggestions others have mentioned like eliminating adding salt to food, drinking a lot more water, daily exercise of some sort and raising the foot end of my bed to elevate my legs when I sleep. The last one is an easy fix since you can fold a heavy blanket and put it under your mattress at the bottom end of the bed.

Has your doctor who diagnosed you with lymphedema suggested any treatments to help with the swelling?

@swt1candy Let me add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Like others here, my legs swell from time to time, and I have tried several remedies mentioned. Getting out to walk, even a little bit, certainly helps, and it brightens my mood. My kidney doctor has prescribed me a diuretic called Torsemide, which helps. As @gently and @dlydailyhope commented, there is lymphatic massage, which I tried and it works for me. The gal even showed me how to do it myself!

How are you feeling today? If the weather outside is not nice enough to walk, can you march around your house and get some movement in?
Ginger