Five ways to decrease leg swelling, from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist

The five most effective things you can do to decrease leg swelling from lymphedema are compression, gentle exercise, manual lymphatic drainage (including self-drainage), careful skin care and elevation. None of them works alone; together they keep fluid moving toward healthy lymph nodes and lower the risk of complications. Here is how each one works and how we use them at Renu.

Understanding the lymphatic system

The word lymph comes from the French lymphe and the Latin lympha, meaning clear water. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes and organs working behind the scenes to keep the body in balance, a city with its own highways (vessels), checkpoints (nodes) and waste management (lymph fluid). It has three main jobs.

1. Fluid balance: collecting excess fluid from the tissues and returning it to the bloodstream.
2. Immune response: lymph nodes contain immune cells that identify and destroy pathogens.
3. Fat absorption: specialized vessels called lacteals absorb dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system.

What lymphedema is

Lymphedema is chronic, progressive swelling that occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or disrupted and can no longer remove excess fluid. Surgery, radiation therapy, injury, infection or genetics can all cause it, and it can affect the arms, legs, or even the face. Even the removal of a single lymph node can lead to its onset.

Lymphedema is staged from 0 to 3. At stage 0 there is no visible swelling, only tingling, heaviness or tightness, and it can stay that way for months or years. Stage 1 swelling still resolves with elevation and the early stages are considered reversible. By stage 2 swelling persists and tissue begins to change; stage 3 brings permanent swelling, skin thickening and scarring. Early intervention is everything, which is why we see one to five new clients a week with some form of lymphedema, primary and secondary.

How we treat lymphedema at Renu

Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. One client came to us after tongue cancer treatment that removed 25 lymph nodes from his neck and face, alongside a partial tongue removal and reconstruction. The resulting lymphedema affected his swallowing and sleep. Our Certified Lymphedema Therapist mapped his lymph flow, redirected it toward healthy nodes to begin clearing his neck and face, and fitted him with compression designed for head and neck lymphedema.

We typically see clients one to two times a week for the first two to three weeks, then keep them in care until they reach a good level of maintenance. We are a private clinic with no funding relationship with Alberta Health Services, and we are sensitive to the fact that treatment is not always affordable; the Canadian Lymphedema Framework has written about inequities in garment funding across Canada. You are the captain of your ship; we are here as co-captains.

1. Compression therapy

Compression garments or bandages apply gentle external pressure that stimulates lymphatic flow, keeps fluid from re-accumulating and prevents complications such as infection. In our experience, compression is often not discussed with patients after surgery, yet it is a vital part of managing lymphedema. Garments should be fitted properly and worn consistently; we order from Juzo Canada and love the compression bras from Prairie Wear.

• Reduces edema and swelling
• Enhances lymphatic flow
• Relieves discomfort and heaviness
• Helps prevent infections and complications
• Maintains limb size and shape over time

2. Exercise

Regular movement that promotes lymphatic flow, such as walking, swimming, yoga, qi gong or strength training, helps manage symptoms. Muscle contraction acts as a pump that pushes lymph toward healthy nodes, and stretching improves the stiffness that lymphedema and radiation can cause. The most important thing is that it feels good and does not worsen your symptoms.

Increase intensity gradually. It is tempting to jump back in, especially if you were very active before, but high-impact activity can make swelling worse or cause injury. Start low-impact, build slowly, and stop and check with your CLT, oncologist or physiotherapist if swelling, discomfort or fatigue increase.

3. Manual lymphatic drainage and self-drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage is the specialized technique our therapists use to stimulate the lymphatic system and encourage fluid to drain. Self-drainage at home extends it: use light pressure, about five grams, like rolling an uncooked egg across a table, in a brushing, skin-stretching motion. When you see us we teach you exactly how to perform self-drainage and the direction your lymph travels for your specific presentation.

Together, MLD and self-drainage encourage better fluid flow, stronger immune function, and softer, more mobile scar tissue after surgery or radiation, which also helps prevent fibrosis and axillary web syndrome (cording).

4. Skin care

Skin over a lymphedema-affected limb is more vulnerable to infection, and infection worsens lymphedema. A simple daily routine protects it.

• Inspect the skin daily for redness, swelling or signs of infection and report changes promptly.
• Cleanse gently with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water.
• Moisturize regularly to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Protect from cuts, scratches and insect bites; wear gloves when gardening.
• Use sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Treat any wound promptly with antiseptic and a sterile dressing.
• Avoid extreme heat and cold, which can aggravate swelling.

5. Elevation

If you have leg or arm lymphedema, elevating the limb lets gravity move excess fluid toward healthy nodes, improving drainage, reducing swelling and easing heaviness. Making it part of your daily routine lowers the risk of cellulitis and skin infection by minimizing stagnant fluid. It works even better when you first open the lymph node groups to encourage the body’s vacuum effect; your therapist will show you the steps.

Final thoughts

The lymphatic system is worth understanding, because supporting it is within reach. Lymphedema is a common chronic condition where personalized management is key, and while living with it has challenges, pain and discomfort are not unavoidable. With the right treatment and support, people lead full lives. Here’s to a journey of healing, one gentle stroke at a time.

Reviewed September 12, 2026 · Lymphedema · Compression · Manual lymphatic drainage · Self-care

Meeghan Mackenzie

Founder, Registered Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Pre and post-operative lymphatic drainage, lymphedema care, scar tissue release, myofascial cupping. Full bio and credentials.