Top 3 Exercises for Leg Lymphedema (Swelling or Edema)

Famous Physical Therapist's Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck along with guest presenter Aaron Kast discuss the Top 3 Exercises for Lymphedema (swelling or edema) in your lower extremities or legs.

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[DrAnne-mcer]

I can't begin to tell you how much these exercises have helped with oedema in my ankles, feet and toes. The effects are bordering on miraculous. If only my own family Doctor had taken the time to suggest them three years ago. Thanks guys.

[Damali]

my Dr recommended only elevation and compression..but thanks to these exercises, esp the foot flex, swelling has dramatically reduced. Thank You !!!

[robwilson]

I have recently been diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma and had 34 inguinal lymph nodes removed from my right groin. The surgeon said little about the seriousness of lymphadema, or the necessity and importance of manually removing built up lymphatic fluid. Thank you for the great tips. They are simple and really effective.

[AlanTheFellow]

Navigation help:

1:03 Introduction Lymphedema / Lower Bdy.

*Top 3 Exercises:*

The Ex. are shown in supine position because its easier for the patient and the lymph fluid is higher, esp. elevated legs. (Gravity)
However: Other positions can be used as well. For example: Standing while on a work break.


*1. **1:55** Ankle Pumps*
3 times a day x 30 minimum (2:54 standing alternatively) 

*2. **3:18** Blue Squeezes* / tightening of the buttocks muscle
Try to build in a few reps were you hold it for a few secs.
3 times a day x 10 

*3. **5:10** "single knee to chest"*
Alternativ for the comfort of the lower back the other/ resting knee may be bent (6:10).

*!* Cardiac, Kidney or Geriatric patients should visit their doctor / physician first because this may cause a Overload of the Body Homeostasis.

[doyen]

After searching for a solution to how to control swollen ankles (started one month into the keto diet) this has worked for the last three days. Thanks so much.

[terrirebeccagarvin]

I just found this video. I have gone back to work part time after being unemployed for 3 years. I have multiple sclerosis and sometimes walking is difficult. I use crutches as a walking aid. I didn't want to go back to the office environment so I went back to retail. Cashier. My employer is great. They give me a fan to keep cool and a stool if I need to sit while working. My feet still get swollen. I have bought nurses shoes (my nurse friend suggested them) and also compression socks. With the shoes, socks, and these exercises combined, I am having less swelling. THANK YOU!!

[tzpvihm]

Very good show today. And a thank you to Aaron Kast for being on the show and his clear explanation to help with edema. 😊

[TheChampdeFleurs]

Been suffering with since my teenage years. Mine becomes worse in the Caribbean heat but THIS helped my foot immensely. Thank you.

[machjeep]

I work in a call center and sit for 8 hour shifts. I now have pitting edema and I have found that riding a recumbent bike for about 20 minutes a night has almost eliminated the swelling. If you think about it, riding a bike duplicates all of these exercises. You don't need a blistering pace. Most of the time I don't pedal much faster than I would walk. But I'm not a doctor so be sure and ask you doctor first.

[mpenny]

I needed this! Thank you. I have a job where I sit all day. I already have lymphedema in one of my legs and this is perfect.

[MSDFairfield]

These guys are great. Practical useful advice that really helps me and other people. I also like their personalities and the way they present the information. Not something you seem to get from your doctor. I have heart issues and I discuss these exercises with my cardiologist.

[dunelily]

I'm am in awe of how much this has helped after just one day! Thanks so much for sharing!

[brightpage]

Thanks for the warning about the potty breaks, too. Heads up.

I noticed drinking more water actually helps to not get dehydrated while this is clearing out, and a hot of caffeine with some gentle exercise can help get the blood pumping...

[joycejames]

This is fabulous. I have had increasing issues with lower leg edema, post cancer a few years OVCA. Thank you. I'm off to do all the exercises right now...will implement a daily program 3x/day. Great job!

[brightpage]

Thank you. I took a couple walks:

One around Wal Mart, another hiking a nature preserve and in between I did some of these and got some of those muscle rollers and sports massagers at Wal Mart. I had done hand massage and stretching before but I had no idea how much those would help. It has made a hige improvement in just a couple days. My legs are back. Phew!

[ThelmaSFla]

Very helpful exercises. I saw the difference quite quickly and plan on implementing on a daily basis. Thank you so much for posting.

[richardordonez]

I retired from work and started an extremely sedentary lifestyle, eating and drinking. After one month the swelling began. This is a wake up call to action

[dihett]

These two crack me up, but I always find their videos useful.

[kcjeannot]

I have been suffering with lower leg edema for at least the last four to six months. But I thank God that I came across this video I literally just did all of these exercises but instead of a count of 30 I did count of 90 on each one. And I cannot believe how much better my feet and my ankles and my calves feel after doing these exercises. I have felt so uncomfortable for so long wanting and needing release. I've been taking all of the diuretics that my nephrologist doctors haven't asked me to take and I have been peeing a lot but still having issues with swelling in my feet and ankles and calves but after these exercises I can feel the difference immediately you guys rock thank you for sharing I will blow this up on Facebook and my social media

[woowoo]

I love that they showed the use of a box and pillow to elevate your legs!