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Protecting Your Arms or Legs
This information is for people who must protect the health of their arms
or legs to help reduce circulation problems or swelling. Your arm or leg
may be at risk because of:
• Lymph node injury or surgery. Lymph nodes carry fluids from
your body tissues to your blood stream as part of your circulation.
Lymph nodes injured in an accident or removed during surgery may
put you at risk for problems.
• Lymphedema. This is a condition where the lymph nodes are not
able to drain enough fluid out of tissue. The limb is at risk for
swelling and the swollen tissue can be easily injured. Some people
develop lymphedema after injury or surgery, after radiation therapy
or there may be no known cause.
• Circulation problems. Arm swelling can occur with subclavian
venous stenosis and other conditions.
• Other reasons. For example, some people have or will need dialysis
access and must protect their limbs for this purpose.
What can I do to protect my limb(s)?
These are some things you can do to protect the health of the lymph
system and your limbs:
• Ask for your blood pressure to be checked on another limb if
possible.
• If possible, avoid having injections, blood drawn, or intravenous line
(IV) in the limb.
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• Be cautious of temperature extremes, cold and heat (such as saunas or
hot tubs).
• Use care with razors, avoid nicks and skin irritation. Using an electric
razor may be a good alternative.
• Do not wear tight jewelry or elastic bands around the affected fingers,
arms or legs.
• Avoid cutting cuticles when manicuring your nails.
• Keep skin clean and dry, apply daily moisturizer.
• Try to keep your body weight under control through a well-balanced,
low salt, low fat diet. Weight gain can increase swelling in the limbs.
• If you get a scratch, bite, burn, or break in your skin, wash the area at
once with soap and water. Cover with a bandage to keep it clean and
protected. Check that it is healing at least daily.
• Usually swimming, bike riding, walking, some ballet or yoga
movements are good to help your limbs. If an activity causes a limb
to swell, then it may not be a good one for you. Talk to a physical
therapist about sports or activities if exercises cause your limb(s) to
swell or if you already have lymphedema.
• Keep your limb(s) protected from the sun and insects.
• If you have swelling in a limb, then elevate it to help the fluid drain
better.
• If legs are involved, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, when
possible avoid crossing legs, wear proper, well-fitting footwear.
If you are trying to protect the arm(s),
• Do not carry heavy handbags or luggage using shoulder straps.
• Squeeze a soft ball in your hand.
• Wear gloves during activities like gardening or washing dishes, when
you could be injured.

What we do to protect your limb(s).
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At this hospital, staff may use special reminders. Staff will put up a sign
in the room and ask you to wear a pink band on your limb(s). This is
done to try to avoid doing blood draws, IV's or blood pressure in a limb
that is at-risk.
Having procedures done to the limb cannot always be avoided. But, it is
a good idea to reduce risk and avoid this when you can.
What can I do when I get other medical care?
First, always remind health care professionals if you have a limb at risk.
You may wish to keep the (pink) band you are given here to wear to
other medical appointments. This way you can remind health care staff
not to use that limb.
Some people buy medical “alert” bracelets or necklaces to let health care
workers know to avoid using their arm or leg for procedures. The special
jewelry may be engraved or marked with statements appropriate to your
needs. Examples: “Lymphedema precautions” or “No IV's, Injections
or BP's in _____.” Medic Alert® and various companies sell this type of
jewelry. Costs vary on the metals used and what kind of service is
provided.
For more information
Talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
For further information about medical jewelry, two places
you may contact:
• National Lymphedema Network on the Internet at www.lymphnet.org
Telephone: 1-800-541-3259 or 510-208-3200
• Medic Alert® at 1-800-432-5378 or Internet at www.medicalert.com
Talk to your doctor or others on your health care team if you
have questions. You may request more written information from
the Library for Health Information at (614) 293-3707 or email:
health-info@osu.edu.