Associated symptoms

The main symptom of lymphedema of the legs is the swelling caused by the accumulated lymph fluid. As the disease progresses, other accompanying symptoms of lymphedema develop: the skin tightens and causes an unpleasant feeling, and patients complain of heavy and stiff legs. The skin color changes and the affected areas become darker.

In addition, the texture of the skin also changes: it becomes firmer and coarser. Swelling of the legs can also lead to thrombosis.

Stage 0, latency stage: legs are not yet swollen, although the lymph vessels are already damaged.
Stage 1: There is a slight, compressible swelling that does not yet cause pain.
Lymphoedema of the legs can also become noticeable by pressing shoes or cutting socks, perhaps even pants no longer fit properly or cut in. The symptoms of lymphedema are more pronounced in warm temperatures, and women also often report that the symptoms accompanying menstruation are worse.
From stage 2: Later, when the swelling is very severe, affected patients also suffer from pain in the legs and feet. An accompanying symptom of lymphedema of the legs are the so-called box toes, as the swelling causes the toes to deform into a rectangular shape.
Another typical symptom of lymphedema of the legs is that it is difficult or impossible to lift the skin fold over the toes.
Stage 3, final stage: The swelling is completely hardened and the leg is deformed, which is called elephantiasis.

At the beginning of the disease, lymphedema of the legs usually causes no pain, the legs are only slightly swollen in the early stages (stage 0 and stage 1) and the swelling can be pushed away. During the course of the disease, the swelling increases more and more, resulting in an exciting skin sensation and the feeling of very heavy legs. Actually, the lymphedema of the legs is not painful, but these sensations can be perceived as painful.

The oppressive pain caused by lymphedema of the legs can usually be successfully relieved by lymphedema therapy. It is important to start treatment early and to apply therapy regularly to counteract the worsening of the pain. If pain occurs with a known lymphedema, this can be an indication of an inflammation of the lymphedema (erysipelas, erysipelas).