Stages & Management of Lymphedema

Speaking with your doctor or therapist about the stage of your lymphedema will help determine the most effective treatment option for managing it. It’s important that lymphedema is diagnosed and treated as early as possible to reduce swelling and limit its damaging effects.

We can fit you with the best, most effective product available for the current stage you are managing to help prevent the progression of the disease. The stages and their criteria according to the International Society of Lymphology are listed below.

Stages of Lymphedema

Stage 0 (Latent Stage)

No swelling or changes to the body can be seen, but you may feel a mild tingling or slight tightness or heaviness to the skin. Stage 0 may last for months or even years before more obvious symptoms develop.

Arm Sleeve

  • Juzo Dynamic
  • Jobst Elvarex (Latex)
  • Medi/Circaid Juxta Fit Custom
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Garment

Hand

  • Medi Harmony
  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Glove
  • Jobst Elvarex Soft

Chest / Torso

  • JoviPak Bellisse Bra

Foot

  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Foot Cap
  • Circaid Juxta Lite

Lower Leg

  • Jobst for Men Casual
  • Juzo Dynamic with Silicone Border and Closed Toe
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Compression Garment Knee High
  • Juzo Dynamic Thigh High

Stage 1 (Mild Stage)

The arm, leg, hand, foot, or other area looks slightly swollen as lymph fluid builds up. Pressing the skin will cause a temporary dent (or pit) to form. Elevating the affected limb can help to reduce the swelling, and wearing compression garments will help keep fluid from pooling. This stage is considered reversible with proper management and treatment.

Arm Sleeve

  • Juzo Dynamic
  • Jobst Elvarex (Latex)
  • Medi/Circaid Juxta Fit Custom
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Garment

Hand

  • Medi Harmony
  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Glove
  • Jobst Elvarex Soft

Chest / Torso

  • JoviPak Bellisse Bra

 

Head / Neck

  • Solaris Tribute Face Mask

Foot

  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Strong Foot
  • Circaid Juxta Lite

Lower Leg

  • Jobst for Men Casual
  • Juzo Dynamic with Silicone Border and Closed Toe
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Compression Garment Knee High
  • Juzo Dynamic Thigh High
  • Jobst Elvarex
  • Jobst Elvarex Soft Capri

Stage 2 (Moderate Stage)

Elevating the limb alone no longer helps to reduce the swelling, and it continues to worsen. Pressing on the skin doesn’t leave a pit, as the skin thickens and hardens. The swelling is managed with the daily wearing of compression garments, both during the day and at night.

Arm Sleeve

  • Jobst Elvarex (Latex)
  • Medi/Circaid Juxta Fit Custom
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Garment

Hand

  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Glove
  • Jobst Elvarex Soft

 

Head / Neck

  • Solaris Tribute Face Mask

Foot

  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Strong Foot
  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Classic Foot
  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Foot Cap

Lower Leg

  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Compression Garment Knee High
  • Jobst Elvarex
  • Jobst Elvarex Soft Capri
  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Classic Calf Piece
  • Medi Circaid Juxta Fit Premium
  • JoviPak Classic Custom Toes to Knee

Stage 3 (Severe Stage)

The affected limb becomes large and misshapen, and the hardened skin takes on a leathery, wrinkled appearance. Lymph fluid may leak from breaks or folds in the skin and should be kept clean and dry to avoid infection. Special or customized compression garments and pumps can still help to manage symptoms.

Arm Sleeve

  • Jobst Elvarex (Latex)
  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Garment

Hand

  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Glove

 

Head / Neck

  • Solaris Tribute Face Mask

Foot

  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Classic Foot
  • Jobst Elvarex Plus Foot Cap

Lower Leg

  • Jobst Relax Nighttime Compression Garment Knee/Thigh High
  • Juzo Dynamic Thigh High
  • Jobst Elvarex
  • BSN Medical Farrow Wrap Classic Calf Piece
  • Medi Circaid Juxta Fit Premium
  • JoviPak Classic Custom Toes to Knee
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This not a substitute for professional care. Do not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician. All medical products require a physician’s prescription.