Dealing with Lymphedema in Houston? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re living with persistent swelling—especially in your arms or legs—you’ve probably heard the term lymphedema tossed around. And if you’re in Houston, dealing with the heat, humidity, and daily grind can make it feel even worse. That discomfort? That heaviness or tightness you just can’t shake? It’s not in your head. Lymphedema is real, it’s common, and most importantly—it’s manageable with the right care.

At Neurability Therapy, we specialize in helping Houstonians not just live with lymphedema—but take control of it. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’re just tired of swelling slowing you down, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. No jargon, no fluff—just real talk and actionable steps.

What Exactly Is Lymphedema?

Let’s get this straight first—lymphedema is a condition, not a disease. It happens when your lymphatic system, which is supposed to drain excess fluid and waste from your tissues, doesn’t quite do its job right. The result? Swelling, often in the arms or legs, but sometimes in the chest, abdomen, or even the face.

A Quick Look at the Lymphatic System

Think of your lymphatic system as your body’s plumbing and filtration network. It’s made up of lymph nodes, vessels, and fluid (called lymph) that carry immune cells and remove waste. When this network gets blocked, damaged, or overwhelmed, fluid starts building up where it shouldn’t.

That’s lymphedema in a nutshell: your body holding onto lymphatic fluid instead of flushing it out.

Why Does Lymphedema Happen?

There isn’t just one reason lymphedema develops. It’s usually a mix of underlying conditions, past injuries, or even lifestyle factors.

Here are the most common causes we see in our Houston clinic:

1. Cancer Treatment

If you’ve had surgery or radiation for breast, prostate, or pelvic cancer, you may have had lymph nodes removed or damaged. That disruption can cause swelling months—or even years—later.

2. Injury or Trauma

Severe injuries, burns, or surgeries unrelated to cancer can also mess with your lymphatic drainage.

3. Infections

Repeated infections, particularly cellulitis, can damage the lymphatic system permanently.

4. Obesity

Excess body fat puts pressure on lymphatic vessels and makes circulation less efficient.

5. Genetics

Some people are just born with poorly developed lymphatic systems. This is known as primary lymphedema, and it can show up anytime from birth to adulthood.

6. Chronic Venous Insufficiency

When veins can’t return blood efficiently, fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, sometimes leading to lymphedema.

7. Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting or lying down too much—common during recovery or due to mobility issues—can make it worse.

If you’re dealing with any of the above and start to notice swelling that doesn’t go away, it’s time to pay attention.

How to Know If It’s Lymphedema: Diagnosis Matters

Let’s talk signs. While swelling might seem like an obvious clue, there’s more to diagnosing lymphedema than just puffiness.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• A heavy or tight feeling in your limbs

• Less flexibility in joints

• Hardening or thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

• Frequent infections in the swollen area

• Aching or discomfort without visible injury

Self-Assessment Tip:

Try pressing your finger into the swollen area. If it leaves an indentation that stays for a few seconds, that’s called pitting edema, and it’s a common sign of fluid buildup.

How Is Lymphedema Treated in Houston?

Good news—lymphedema isn’t curable (yet), but it’s very treatable. The earlier you start, the better the results.

Home Remedies to Start With:

• Compression garments – These are not your average socks. They’re designed to apply just the right amount of pressure to help lymph move.

• Elevation – Keep the swollen limb above your heart when possible.

• Gentle exercise – Think light walking, yoga, or stretching.

• Hydration – Drinking water helps reduce fluid retention. Sounds counterintuitive, but it works.

Preventing Lymphedema (or Keeping It From Getting Worse)

If you’re at risk for lymphedema—or trying to prevent flare-ups—here are smart moves to make:

• Avoid tight clothing and jewelry that can restrict fluid flow.

• Stay active with low-impact movement daily.

• Protect your skin from cuts, burns, and insect bites.

• Maintain a healthy weight, which lightens the load on your lymphatic system.

• Don’t ignore signs of infection—redness, heat, or pain in a swollen area needs medical attention ASAP.

Want to know which exercises are best? We’ll show you how to build strength without overloading your body in one of our personalized sessions.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re dealing with lymphedema in Houston, don’t wait until it gets worse. We’ve helped hundreds of locals just like you feel lighter, stronger, and more in control of their lives again.

Reach out today and book a consultation with our certified lymphedema therapists. We’ll walk you through every step—from diagnosis to daily management. Lymphedema doesn’t have to dictate your life. With the right support, you can get ahead of it.

Book Your Appointment with Neurability Therapy Today — Let’s Get You Moving Again.

Skin Care

• Proper hygiene, wound care, and moisturizing are essential to prevent skin infections, a common complication of lymphedema, particularly in later stages.

Exercise

• Remedial exercises play an important role in both the intensive and maintenance phases of CDT.
• Regular exercise improves lymphatic flow and prevents swelling, especially when performed while wearing compression garments.

Compression Bandaging

• Compression bandaging is a key part of CDT, using specially designed bandages to apply pressure, promote fluid drainage, and reduce swelling.