When to worry about arm or leg swelling with lymphoedema

Lymphoedema happens when lymph fluid does not drain normally, often after cancer treatment or damage to lymph vessels. The affected limb may feel heavy, tight, less flexible, or different in texture. A sudden change can signal infection, a clot, injury, or another problem rather than routine fluctuation.

Compare the change with your usual pattern and contact your lymphoedema or oncology team. Mention redness, warmth, tenderness, fever, a wound, leaking fluid, reduced movement, or a new one-sided change. Continue only the compression, skin care, exercise, and elevation plan already given to you; do not forcefully rub the area.

Seek same-day medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, warmth, pain, fever, chills, or skin that breaks down or leaks. Get emergency help for sudden chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, faintness, or coughing blood. A cold, pale, blue, or very painful limb also needs urgent assessment.

Ask how your normal swelling differs from infection or thrombosis, whether your compression garment still fits, which skin changes need same-day review, and how to adjust exercises or care during illness or treatment.