cold legs

[Ap8440]

I have lymphoedema in both legs and 4 weeks ago the feelings in my legs have changed . I still have tingling feelings . But now they are really really cold . Anyone have this

[Lynora]

It might be something that could be assessed by your practice nurse. Most clinics can do a Doppler test to check blood flow/venous return etc. Any ‘change’ should be checked out.

[violetta15]

In the meantime can you get in water and alternate really warm water to very cold? or a shower and get it as hot as you can then cold and alternate.. to rev your circulation? also what about hand held massage vibration ? Dont know if you own one of those vibration platforms that you can lay your legs across?

[Lynora in reply to violetta15]

If the patient is elderly, I would not advise heat/cold use until blood flow has been assessed. Perhaps a cosy throw over the lower limbs, with a warm (not boiling) hot water bottle near the feet?

[violetta15 in reply to Lynora]

While I am not 80 ( I am 71 and I find this to really help with my Lymphedema of my right leg.)..I do see what you mean about maybe water could be dangerously too hot because cant feel... and perhaps I should instead of hot/cold suggestion, one of getting into a swimming pool where the water is fine temp wise and try to flex and point feet or bend at knee while holding self in pool or to swim or move the legs in the water... This moves lymph! I swim 5 x week and find it a way better way to move the lymph while being in compression of the water, not fighting gravity, and not passive as you move your muscles you move the lymph.. I also don't get too overheated like other repetitive movement exercise..

[Anne16]

Hi Ap8440 - I am 82 and was born with primary lymphoedema. My legs are either hot or very cold. No apparent reason for the differing temperatures. Today, not a cold day by any means, my feet and legs are freezing! I have suffered with these fluctuating temperatures in both my feet and legs for years. Doppler test proved nothing to explain this either. I wear my prescription hosiery daily and shower and moisturise every day. But nothing helps. I just wait for them to sort themselves out. Using a hot water bottle, or any sort of applied heat, makes matters worse and makes my skin very sore. equally so did swimming. Fluoride in the water made skin very sore and inflamed. I do find moving around as much as possible helps

Sorry to be so negative. But like everything else to do with MY lymphoedema, I just get on with things. Take care and good luck.