Nerve compression caused by sleeve?

amanda6

hi there, has anyone out there with arm lymphadema had a problem with nerve compression in their arm? I started wearing a sleeve & gauntlet a few months ago for the first time ( both ordered by my clt) & began experiencing numbness in my hand. My pcp diagnosed this as ulnar tunnel syndrome - she feels it was probably caused by my sleeve.

Spookiesmom

Have the nerve conduction tests done, make sure the sleeve fits properly and find a new pcp.

amanda6

I have an appointment this week with a new clt & am waiting to see an orthopedic surgeon, hand specialist. The swelling is pretty much confined to my elbow...not even sure at this point which came first, the nerve thing or the lymphadema, it's confusing. Thanks so much for your reply .

Anonymous

Have you been seeing a certified lymphedema therapist? I had swelling in my elbow that turned out to be cellulitis and needed antibiotics. Any swelling in that area can pinch nerves. Watch for redness and fever.

amanda6

yes, I saw a clt in Sept - I had a lymphedema flare, mostly in my forearm & elbow, during the summer. She massaged & wrapped it for 5 sessions & ordered my sleeve - a juzo dynamic & gauntlet. My arm was improved, but not normal, the forearm swelling was persistent - it would look normal in the morning, but very quickly swell back up, in spite of the sleeve. The aching in my forearm & numbness in part of my hand started a few weeks after my last session. There has been no redness or fever. Thanks so much for replying - celluitus scares me!

Anonymous

Maybe your sleeve is a bad fit?

The cellulitis caused the tissue in my forearm to toughen (fibrosis) and stay swollen. This night sleeve worked to soften the tissue and reduce the size.

amanda6

thanks for posting that serenity. I plan to ask the therapist about wearing a night sleeve. My forearm was a bit tough, the wrapping softened it, it seems ok now, but it's a stubborn spot. Do you still wear the night sleeve? I have so much to learn about all this...I'm going to look it up now.

Anonymous

When I first got the sleeve, I wore it every night. On the weekends, I would wear it for a longer period. Since my arm is close to normal, I don't wear it as often. When my arm feels a bit congested I start wearing it again.

amanda6

thanks so much!