What should you know about lymphedema compression sleeves for legs?

Leg lymphoedema may cause heaviness, tight skin, swelling around the ankle or calf, and changes in how shoes or clothing fit. A sleeve, stocking, or wrap can provide pressure that is strongest at the lower part of the limb and reduces upward. The correct design depends on the shape of the leg, the location of swelling, skin health, sensation, and circulation. Previous cancer treatment, including radiotherapy or surgery such as mastectomy, can be relevant to a lymphoedema assessment when lymph pathways have been affected.

Ask a lymphoedema specialist to measure you rather than choosing a pressure level by appearance. Wear the garment exactly as instructed, usually during the active part of the day, and remove it for skin checks and washing unless your clinician says otherwise. Smooth wrinkles and watch for rubbing at the knee, ankle, or toes. Walking and prescribed exercises may support the plan. Lymphoedema therapy can help with fitting, skin care, movement, and other techniques.

Stop wearing the garment and contact your care team for new numbness, tingling, severe pain, pale or blue toes, cold skin, or rapidly worsening swelling. Seek urgent help for a leg that becomes suddenly red, hot, and painful, especially with fever, or for new chest pain or breathlessness.

Ask whether you need a sleeve, stocking, or wrap, which pressure and length are appropriate, and how to put it on without damaging your skin. Clarify when to wear it, how to exercise in it, and what changes require a reassessment.