Relationship between pain, tightness, heaviness, perceived limb size, and objective limb size measurements in patients with chronic upper-limb lymphoedema

Background: Lymphoedema has a significant effect on patient quality of life due to the daily experience of limb symptoms such as pain, tightness and heaviness. W hile treatment of lymphoedema often focuses on reduction in objective limb measures, there is minimal evidence to support that this reduces subjective limb symptoms. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between subjective arm symptoms and objective limb size measurements in patients with chronic upper-limb secondary lymphoedema. Methods: A retrospective audit of previously conducted clinical trial data was undertaken, comparing objective measures of bio-impedance spectroscopy and perometry with Likert-scale data, pre- and post-interventions. Results: There is some evidence that reduction in objective limb measures reduces limb symptoms, but limb symptoms were also reduced without reducing limb size in a yoga intervention. Thus, there is some element of subjective experience that is independent of limb size. Conclusions: This work supports current treatment of lymphoedema, but serves to remind practitioners of the importance of holistic care in chronic disease.