What should you know about elastic compression garments?

After lymph nodes or vessels are affected by surgery, radiotherapy, infection, or cancer, fluid may collect in an arm, leg, breast, chest, or other area. A garment gives gentle, graded pressure to support fluid movement and may reduce heaviness or tightness. It controls swelling but does not remove the underlying lymphatic problem.

Sleeves, gloves, stockings, and custom garments have different shapes and pressure levels. A therapist considers your swelling, skin, circulation, movement, and daily activities before recommending one. A garment should feel supportive, not painful, numb, or sharply tight.

Have the garment measured or fitted by a trained professional. Put it on with smooth fabric and no folds, and check the skin after wearing it. Follow the advised wearing schedule; do not increase pressure or wear it overnight unless instructed. Wash and dry it as directed so its elasticity is maintained. Combine compression with prescribed exercises, skin care, and movement breaks. Replace it when it becomes loose, stretched, damaged, or difficult to position.

Remove the garment and contact your clinician if you develop increasing pain, numbness, pins and needles, colour change, cold fingers or toes, new blisters, or worsening swelling. Get urgent help for sudden one-sided swelling with chest pain or breathlessness. Broken skin, redness, warmth, fever, or rapidly spreading tenderness may indicate infection and needs prompt assessment.

Ask which garment and pressure level suit you, how long to wear it, how to handle hot weather or travel, and what to do if your size changes. Ask whether lymphoedema therapy, exercise, or skin treatment should accompany compression, and how you can tell a normal adjustment from a problem.