Milroys Disease and sports

[Anguilla10]

My 10year old has been diagnosed with Milroys Disease. She loves tap, ballet and gymnastics and also takes part in other sports at school. Does anyone know if there are sports that should be avoided?

[Andy13]

Hi Anguilla,

I was diagnosed with primary lymphodema when I was slightly older than your daughter and have never let it stop me from doing any sport I chose (running, swimming, cycling, skiing etc). I was once advised against running because of impact of foot hitting the ground was thought to be bad however it never seemed to do me any harm and can help to keep weight down which is important. The one thing I would say is avoid sports that are likely to result in lots of cuts and scraps because they increase the risk of infection and cellulitus.

[suzie_danger_girl]

I have primary lympheodema and I would say far from avoiding sport I would definately massively encourage these passions in her. They will hugely help to keep the fluid off. I agree that I personally would never do running as a hobby but I do dance and doing it when Iactually was overwhelmed by swelling hugely helped to get it off. I have walked lots but now I am 39 I have some knee pain and am a bit worried about my hip. I personally have only had tights though for the last 6 years or so, so I would just say make sure to wear good tights when walking as it made my swelling worse without.

Its brilliant shes so healthy, keep encouraging that it will make a huge difference to her health. By keeping fit and active and having the knowledge of the disease I didn't have at her age my younger sister was able to avoid all the swelling and problems I've had so far. Its much easier to keep off then to get back off so with this knowlesge her outlook is great

[Anguilla10]

Thanks for the replies! Feeling reassured, and good advice about avoiding sports where cuts and scrapes are more common place.

[jinger]

The only sports I have been advised against is contact ones like martial arts as I was interested in taking up kickboxing but when I asked about it I was told yes as long as nobody hit me