Leg lymphedema preventing me from bending my leg: What helps?

Welcome, @mpc6627. You may find some helpful tips in this related discussion:
- Lymphedema in my leg: Any idea how to get the swelling down?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-have-lymphadema-in-my-legany-idea-how-do-get-the-swelling-down/

See all related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lymphedema/

I'm also tagging fellow members like @johnbishop @mariwy59 @ffr @shirls45 @peterbose to see if they have some suggestions to add.

@mpc6627, has the arthritis been confirmed in the right knee? Are you able to bend the left leg?

Hello @mpc6627, I would like to add my welcome along with @colleenyoung and other members. I had lymphedema prior to have my right knee replaced for bone on bone degenerative arthritis. I was still able to bend my knee but it was very painful before I had the knee replacement. I'm guessing that the leg swelling might be worse in the right leg which makes it more difficult to bend...is this correct? How do you control the swelling from the lymphedema now?

@colleenyoung
Hello: My edema is primarily in my left leg and yes both my knees have arthritis. It is my understanding I am early stage 1. I would like to keep it that way. I’m in my late 60’s and still active, it is my choose to stay active (a body in motion stays in motion). Since my first log, my physician has referred me to a lymphedema therapist which I have meet with and she is teaching me manual message, along with exercises and eating. Since developing edema, I have stopped drinking coffee replaced with tea, reduce sweets by 90% (yes I have a sweet tooth OUCH) and keep on exercising. My physical therapist said - look for markers that cause swelling ie: Salt, sweets, standing to long, long physical activities - things that make the swelling worse. When I was first diagnosed with edema I followed the normal protocol elevate and compression shock. I still wear knee high compression socks and thigh style, elevate only in the evenings if needed before bed. I did find an elevation pillow for when I’m sleeping. Takes a little time to get use to. I start my mornings with lymphedema exercise’s that are 12 minutes long (Not sure how to link the site) and put the compression socks on right after. I have my morning routine, then do my regular exercises that include a 30/60 minutes indoor cycling. My therapist said cycling is like a pump, it keeps the fluids moving. When winter is done I can start cycling outdoors. This is what I have learned to do and will keep learning new ways when ever possible.

@colleenyoung
Yes

@colleenyoung
Yes I have full range of notion on left leg

@peterbose
Thanks so much for responding
Because I can't bend right leg I cant use a bike. I tried to use my eleptical trainer and my right leg just locked and not able to use. I have been to a few Dr's and no answer for how to get my leg to bend. I am on crutches for 2 years almost. My posture is so messed up because of all this.
What i am going to try is walking on my treadmill to see if that somehow maybe helps blood flow and work through the bad pain. My legs are wrapped and I also wear a knee brace with compression every day which helps with swelling. Im also going to take ibuprofen before exercising.
I may be writing you again if thats OK.
Michelle

@johnbishop
I have both legs wrapped at all times and also a knee brace with compression on right leg.
Im just going to try walking on treadmill and work through pain. I just have no other idea. I can't use a bike or my elliptical trainer. I have been on crutches for close to 2 years. My posture is screwed up. One thing at a time.

@colleenyoung I am new to group and not sure if I am responding correctly. I developed lymphedema in my 60's after years of peripheral vascular disease and 6 knee surgeries. The first surgeries were for dislocating knee caps at age 16 for right knee and 18 for left knee. I do have bilateral knee implants. Fast forward to my early 60's after bilateral implants. My legs would swell when in a dependent position for any length of time or standing in one spot. Walking reduced the amount of swelling and elevation of my legs helped. I also take Lasix which is generally not recommended. It seems to help sometime, but my legs balloon if I dont take it. I've had my saphenous veins ablated and an IVUS which is an intravenous ultrasound, with a balloon placement in the right iliac vein to relieve pressure on the artery (right iliac) to reduce the swelling. No matter both legs swell almost equally. I've tried so many types of compression stocking, they just dont work for me within an hour a band develops at my ankle and then they just feel like they are cutting me. So diet . Best to eliminate salt or high content of salt. Cut out the sweets. Plant based diet. I also purchased air compression leg massagers which seems to help actually well with swelling reduction and the tired painful heavy feelings, that come with standing too long or driving too long. It's only been a few weeks since starting, so I can update after a couple of months if they arecworth investing in. There are many types and price ranges to choose from

@mpc6627 hello, you are always welcome to ask questions or have any updates. I’m always looking for new ways to reduce my edema.

@peterbose
Hello
I went to a chiropractor last night . Im desperate to bend my leg. I have an appt in 2 weeks with vein restoration center. Im trying to solve this with no surgery but that may not be realistic. I was a little disappointed with chiropractor. He just sat me in a vibrating chair and then flat with some tube thing . I want to find a person to do a manual massage for lymphatic system..