When people hear the words neuropathy and lymphedema, they often think of them as two separate issues. One affects the nervous system, the other the lymphatic system — right? Technically yes, but in the real world, we often see them showing up together, especially in people living with cancer, diabetes, or chronic illnesses.
If you’ve ever experienced nerve pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling in your arms or legs, this blog is for you. Let’s explore how these two conditions connect — and more importantly, what you can do about it.
Understanding the Basics
Lymphedema happens when the body’s lymphatic system — which helps drain fluid and filter waste — isn’t working properly. This leads to swelling, often in the arms or legs, due to a buildup of lymph fluid.
Neuropathy is nerve damage, which can cause numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, often starting in the hands or feet. It can result from chemotherapy, diabetes, surgery, or even chronic inflammation.
So, How Are They Related?
Here’s where it gets interesting: neuropathy and lymphedema often feed into each other in a cycle.
Lymphedema can worsen neuropathy
When fluid builds up and causes swelling, it increases pressure on nerves. This can irritate or compress the nerves in the arms or legs, leading to increased pain, tingling, or numbness. Chronic swelling also reduces circulation, which slows nerve healing.
Neuropathy can worsen lymphedema
When nerves are damaged, they can interfere with muscle movement and pumping action — especially in the legs. This muscle movement is essential for moving lymph fluid. If neuropathy makes it harder to move or walk normally, the lymphatic system struggles to keep up, causing more swelling.
It’s a bit like a traffic jam — when one system slows down, the other gets backed up too.
Who’s at Risk?
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Cancer survivors – especially those who’ve had lymph node removal or chemotherapy (both can damage lymphatics and nerves)
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People with diabetes – a major cause of both peripheral neuropathy and chronic swelling
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Those with chronic venous insufficiency or long-standing orthopedic injuries
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Post-surgical patients – particularly after mastectomy, joint replacement, or spinal surgery
What Can You Do About It?
The good news is, you don’t have to just “live with it.” As a physical therapist specializing in lymphedema and cancer rehab, I help people manage both of these conditions together — safely and effectively.
Here are some of the tools we use:
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on nerves
Neuromuscular re-education to wake up sleepy nerves and improve function
Compression therapy to manage fluid buildup without restricting circulation
Therapeutic exercise tailored to support nerve health and lymph flow
Education on self-care, skin protection, and home techniques
Every person’s body is different, so we build a personalized plan that fits your needs and goals.
Bottom Line: You’re Not Alone
Living with neuropathy and lymphedema can feel frustrating — like your body isn’t cooperating with you. But there is hope. With the right support, education, and care, you can feel better, move better, and take control of your health again.
At Salt + Light Wellness, we walk with you through it all — swelling, pain, numbness, and all the ups and downs in between. If you or someone you love is dealing with lymphedema, neuropathy, or both, let’s talk.
Contact us by text or email or calling us at 775-277-3234
Book your initial evaluation here!
You don’t have to navigate this alone — we’re here to help.
Dr. Nina Routon
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