Lymphedema of the arm occurs when the lymph system in an individual is somehow compromised; this can be from infection, illness, injury or a congenital condition. As a result of the lymph system malfunctioning, an individual suffering from lymphedema often experiences localized swelling along the arm. Breast cancer in women is increasingly noted as the cause for lymphedema, with symptoms often not occurring until years after cancer treatments have concluded. This condition of the arm is often categorized into grades, or stages, from zero being the least severe to four being the most severe.

Many forms of lymphedema of the arm are treated with compression wrappings, bandages, or special lymphedema armsleeves. The degree of compression is prescribed by a doctor or a physical therapist that specializes in treating the condition and varies, depending on the individual extent of the lymph node swelling in the affected limb. The compression of the arm allows the synovial fluid to flow so that it can no longer cause the localized swelling along the length of the individual’s arm. Armsleeves and compression wrappings are used in order to reduce and prevent swelling while still allowing circulation to flow throughout the affected arm. In cases where these devices are used, normal day to day activity allows the enlarged areas of swelling to be compressed, and fluid is naturally forced out with activity. The compression then prohibits fluid from returning to the site.

There are many options available for patients who require compression garments as their primary course of treatment. Compression sleeves for the arm can be custom ordered or purchased over the counter through a medical supply company. The physician or therapist in charge of the individual’s medical treatment will decide which option is best suited to the existing case of lymphedema. Many manufacturers produce different colors of sleeves to better match the patient’s own skin tone.

Lessening the amount of synovial fluid in the arm is very important in the management and treatment of lymphedema. The collection of this fluid that causes the swelling throughout the limbs of an individual can easily become infected. This is a dangerous scenario for one whose lymph system has already been compromised. Compression therapy using these garments will help to alleviate this swelling and collection of fluid which will then allow additional medications, such as antibiotics to treat infection, to be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Patients with mild to moderate lymphedema should pursue the use of compression armsleeves to aid in their recovery.