Developing Lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery: Emotional Impact
Developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery is not a common side effect, but, in some cases, it does occur and can have a significant emotional impact on recovery and general wellbeing. Patients report that the emotional impact of developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery (or any type of surgery) is profound. Most of them start dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, body image issues, social isolation, and feelings of frustration or helplessness, while recovering from the previous surgery and looking for answers and treatments for this new-secondary condition. However, with the right and early diagnosis, treatments and support, patients can maintain a positive outlook and improve their quality of life, continue recovering from surgery while managing lymphoedema physical and emotional symptoms. Let´s have a closer look…
Is lymphoedema common after orthopaedic surgery?
It’s not as common as swelling from normal post-surgical inflammation (which almost all patients experience). However, persistent secondary lymphoedema can develop if lymphatic vessels or nodes are damaged, blocked, or overwhelmed during surgery or due to scar tissue formation.
What are risk factors for developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery?
Most common causes are:
- Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder because they might affect/remove part of the nearest lymphatic system-vessels or nodes- overwhelming limb’s lymphatic system).
- Trauma surgery with extensive soft tissue involvement.
- Previous history of venous disease, obesity, or pre-existing lymphatic insufficiency.
- Infection, fibrosis, or immobility after surgery
Studies suggest that chronic lymphoedema occurs in a minority of patients (estimates vary from 5–20% depending on type of surgery and comorbidities (previous/coexistent conditions).
How do I know swelling turned into lymphoedema?
- Normal swelling: Post-operative oedema usually improves within 2–3 weeks.
- Subacute swelling: In some cases, swelling can persist for 2–3 months, especially after joint replacement.
- Secondary lymphoedema: If lymphatic pathways are damaged, swelling may become chronic and progressive without proper management. For that reason early diagnosis and treatment plan are pivotal for the condition prognosis.
If swelling after surgery lasts more than expected, you feel pain, tenderness or any other symptoms, ask your surgeon, GP or a lymphoedema therapist. Early diagnosis and treatment (manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise, skin care) greatly improve prognosis and may prevent permanent changes.
Emotional impact of developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery
Lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery doesn’t only affect only the body, but also the emotional well-being of patients, they feel:
- Frustration and disappointment because expected recovery is delayed by persistent swelling and now they have to worry about a new condition.
- Anxiety about whether the surgery was successful and what will happen with their affected limb.
- Loss of independence. If swelling impairs mobility, daily tasks, or return to work makes them dependent on other people to do these tasks.
- Body image concerns due to visible swelling, asymmetry, skin changes and lack of empathy- comments from other people about their appearance or condition.
- Depression can develop in cases where pain, reduced function, self-image, social rejection or lack of support produce high Emotional and Mental Health Challenges of patients.
- Misdiagnosis and lack of awareness among healthcare providers can delay proper care and heighten stress on patients.
- Social stigma and misunderstanding of lymphoedema exacerbate feelings of isolation and emotional pain.
Emotional impact of developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic: what you can do to improve your general wellbeing
1.Seek support groups and create your network. Connecting with peers and sharing experiences (might be similar) can reduce feelings of isolation. There are support groups, both virtual and in-person, that offer safe environments to share challenges and coping strategies. Such communities boost emotional and general well-being and provide practical advice.
2.Professional advice. Visit your psychologist or psychiatrist, professional. Therapies like: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) have shown to effectively decrease anxiety and depression in lymphoedema patients. These therapies enhance psychological flexibility, emotional comfort, and adherence to self-care practices like compression therapy and exercise.
3.Exercise. Gentle exercises (link) tailored for lymphoedema management improves lymphatic flow and also supports mental health by reducing stress and enhancing mood (you release endorphins). You can start with walks in nature, swimming or lymphoedema focused exercises recommended by your lymphoedema therapist (if you don’t have one yet, choose the specialist who treats you better).
4.Relaxation techniques. Practice meditation, yoga, or mindfulness techniques such as: art therapy, music therapy, etc., can alleviate emotional discomfort, foster self-expression, and improve self-esteem. They provide enjoyable distractions and promote relaxation, which are crucial in coping with chronic conditions.
5.Positive affirmations. Building a positive self-image through mindful practices and reframing perceptions of your body and condition can mitigate social anxiety and enhance confidence.
6.Spending time with those who care about you. Empathy and understanding from family, friends, and healthcare providers play an important role in nurturing your own acceptance. Don´t waste your time with people who criticize, laugh or have no empathy about your condition.
7.Eat well to feel well. What you eat matters, nutritious food helps you manage lymphoedema while improving your mood and general wellbeing.
A final word
Developing lymphoedema after orthopaedic surgery is uncommon, but possible, especially after major joint or trauma procedures. Early diagnosis is pivotal for proper treatment and emotional support. If you are dealing with the emotional impact of lymphoedema diagnosis, don´t be afraid to seek help, we can help you. We know the emotional impact of lymphoedema might come with many physical and psychological challenges, but we are here for you.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://pereaclinic.com/emotional-impact-of-lymphedema-coping-with-psychological-effects/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-63145-1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4153404/
https://www.lymphapress.com/blog/maintaining-body-positivity-while-living-with-lymphedema/
