Lymph node swelling in the armpit – treatment/therapy | Physiotherapy for inflamed lymph nodes

Lymph node swelling in the armpit – treatment/therapy

The axillary lymph nodes also swell relatively frequently. Especially in the case of injuries to the upper extremity, local lymph node swelling can occur here. In case of pain or changes in the breast and accompanying swollen axillary lymph nodes, a gynecological examination should be performed to rule out malignant diseases.

A dangerous disease is not always behind the swelling. For example, the axillary lymph nodes can also be caused by small cuts made while shaving. The therapy is again based on the underlying disease.

Orthopedic or surgical diseases of the upper extremity often cause enormous swelling (edema), as well as inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism. The fluid is removed via the axillary lymph nodes. This can be supported by manual lymph drainage.

After operations where the lymph nodes have been removed (e.g. after breast cancer), lymph node swelling can be caused by chronic overloading of the remaining lymph nodes. Manual lymph drainage is also useful here. Lymph drainage is usually contraindicated in cases of acute inflammation or malignant disease.

Consultation with the treating physician should be made. Lymphatic drainage of the arm also includes drainage of the cervical lymph nodes, since the lymphatic system near the heart is connected to the blood system.During lymph drainage of the upper extremity, the fluid is collected from the hand to the upper arm and discharged into the axillary lymph nodes. The fluid is also moved from the back of the arm to the front of the arm, then drained into the armpit.

Lymph node swelling in the groin – treatment/therapy

On the groin are the lymph nodes responsible for the lower extremity and the urogenital region. This is where swelling occurs in the case of injuries to the lower extremity or diseases of the urogenital tract or even the rectum. Local lymph node swelling can also occur as a result of micro-injuries during shaving.

In therapy, the fluid of the lower extremity is collected by gentle massage grips and supplied to the lymph nodes. As upper stations, the neck lymph nodes and, if necessary, the abdominal lymph nodes are also cleared in order to ensure lymph drainage to the heart. Also at the lower extremity, the lymph is drained from the foot to the thigh into the inguinal lymph nodes.

As with the upper extremity, the fluid from the back of the leg is also first brought forward and then drained into the groin. The lymph as a fluid is subject to hydrostatic pressure and can thus be influenced by elevating the leg (or even the arm). If the feet are swollen, elevating the legs can provide relief.

In this case, however, the functionality of the heart should have been checked. Fluid that is transported via the lymph is supplied to the blood system and can influence the cardiovascular system. This article may also be of interest to you: Swelling of lymph nodes in the armpit, neck and groin in children