Life-style counselling

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Avoid overloading the affected limb. Avoid carrying heavy loads and doing strenuous housework (like e.g. cleaning the windows, gardening, digging).

Injuries

Avoid injuries (sticks, shocks, cuts, burns, fracture, bruises). To avoid injuries, use rubber gloves when gardening. Do not walk barefooted. Sunbathing, sauna, solarium, hot baths or thermal water are not recommended. Take care when doing your manicure or pedicure.

At the doctor's

No blood samples are to be taken from the affected limb, no infusion connected or injection administered. You should not do blood pressure measurement or take acupuncture on the affected limb.

Clothing

You should not wear a ring, a watch or a bracelet on the affected limb. Avoid wearing tight clothes, underwear or stockings, and the straps of your bra should not cut into the flesh. In the case of lymphoedema of the upper limbs, women are recommended to wear comfortable bras with wide straps. Shoes should be comfortable, never too tight; wear orthopaedic shoes if necessary.

Diet

You should make efforts to maintain your ideal weight, either through diet or exercise.

Sports

Do exercises, including those improving the circulation, every day. Walk, or ride an exercise bike. Avoid overloading the affected limb (e.g. when playing tennis or rowing) and avoid sports with a high risk of injury (skiing, horse riding).

Wellness

Physicotherapy or Swedish massage should not be applied to the affected limb. Sunbathing, sauna, solarium, hot baths or thermal water are to be avoided.