Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms, legs and hands. It can occur after surgery or radiation therapy for breast cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions such as heart failure or diabetes.

If you have lymphedema, you may notice that your legs feel heavy after walking for a long period of time or that your shoes feel tight in the morning before you put them on. The following are some tips for finding the best shoes for lymphedema:

Choose shoes with plenty of room in the toe area. Be sure there is no pressure on your toes or heels when you walk around in the shoes. Your feet should feel comfortable at all times while wearing them.

Avoid high heels if possible because they can put more stress on your feet than flat ones do. If you do choose high heels, make sure they have adequate support so they don’t pinch your toes or put too much pressure on your arches while standing still or walking around in them all day long.

Look for wide-calf boots if you have large calves from having excess fluid build up there due to lymphedema. These boots will provide extra room for your swollen legs and make it easier for

Best Shoes For Lymphedema

Finding shoes that fit properly can be difficult if you deal with Lymphedema or swelling of your lower extremities. Below we have listed a few shoe recommendations for patients with Lymphedema. We’ve also listed a few things to keep in mind when purchasing shoes if you have swelling or Lymphedema of the lower extremities. (Please note: we do not receive endorsements from any of the companies or brands listed below. )

A Few Helpful Hints

1. If possible, try the shoes on before you buy them. Be sure to keep up with your receipt and tags in case you need to make a return or an exchange.
2. Keep moisture in mind. Purchase shoes that are made from breathable materials to cut down on foot moisture.
3. Buy multiples. If you find a shoe that works well for you, buy a few extra pairs for future use.
4. Adjustable, Adjustable, Adjustable! The most important out of our shoe recommendations for patients with Lymphedema is to find an adjustable shoe. Our feet tend to swell more throughout the day and having a pair of shoes that you can adjust to fit you more comfortably is important.

Pandere

About the brand: Pandere is owned and operated by women with first hand Lymphedema experiences. These shoes are available in multiple sizes and can be adjusted to wider widths. Styles are available for both men and women.

Propet

About the brand: Propet offers over 60 diverse styles for men and women. Propet also provides slip resistant shoe options. Shoes are available to purchase at participating JC Penney’s, DSW, and Shoe Carnival. Propet brand shoes are also available on Amazon . Their website offers the option to shop by width, style, color, and more.

Furoshiki

About the Brand: These shoes are praised for their comfort. Adjusting the size is easy and the shoes are machine washable. Because of this, these shoes can last you for several years. The shoes come in a range of colors and patterns. These shoes can be ordered online or purchased at participating REI locations and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

A Five Minute Guide To Shoes For Edema, Lymphedema & Swollen Feet

If you have swollen feet due to Edema or Lymphedema or any other reason, finding shoes that fit, or even shoes that you can get on, can be a source of frustration.

In this quick guide we will define and talk about the differences between Edema and Lymphedema and then discuss what to look for in shoes for those conditions.

If you already have a good background knowledge of Edema and Lymphedema you may want to jump straight to the information about shoe recommendations for swollen feet.

Edema is a term used to describe the swelling of a body part due to fluid accumulation in the body tissue which occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid that builds up in the surrounding tissues. Although Edema can affect any part of the body is is most likely to be in the arms, hands, legs, ankles and feet and this is known as Peripheral Edema because it is evident on the periphery (the ends) of your body.

Lymphedema also refers to swelling in one arm or leg (or both at the same time) but the causes for this swelling are different from general Edema / Peripheral Edema. Lymphedema is most commonly caused when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed (as part of cancer treatment) which results in a blockage in the lymphatic system that prevents lymph fluid from draining properly which in turn leads to swelling.

What Causes Edema?

Mild Causes
Sitting Too Long
Too Much Salty Food
Pregnancy
Premenstrual signs / symptoms

Medication Causes
Steroids
Estrogens
High Blood Pressure Medications
Anti-Inflamatory drugs (non-steroidal) Thiazolidinediones (a type of diabetes medication)

Disease Causes
Cirrhosis
Kidney Disease / Kidney Damage
Congestive Heart Failure
Weak or Damaged Veins
Long-Term Protein Deficiency

Symptoms
Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under your skin, especially in your legs or arms
Stretched or shiny skin
Skin that retains a dimple (pits), after being pressed for several seconds
Increased abdominal size

What Causes Lymphedema?

Primary Lymphedema develops when lymphatic vessels are missing or impaired. More common in younger women, Primary Lymphedema can start near birth, around puberty or later in life.

For both upper and lower extremities Primary Lymphedema is estimated to affect 1 million individuals and Secondary Lymphedema about 2 million individuals in the USA.

Secondary Lymphedema is most commonly caused when lymph vessels are damaged or lymph nodes are removed and there can be a variety of causes including malignancy in breast cancer, where the lymphatic channels are compressed or metastasis can occur in the lymph nodes. Trauma and surgery where the lymph nodes are removed, radiography and chronic infection which can result in fibrosis and eventual lymphatic obstruction.

Symptoms

Swelling of part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers or toes
Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
A feeling of heaviness or tightness
Restricted range of motion
Aching or discomfort
Recurring infections

What are the best types of shoes for Edema / Lymphedema / Swollen Feet?

Find Shoes That S-T-R-E-T-C-H

When choosing footwear for swollen feet the shoes need to be deep and wide with the option to add supportive inserts. As the foot swells over the course of the day a velcro or hook and loop closure makes it easier to adjust the fit of the shoe during the day. Shoes that can stretch to accommodate change in volume of the feet during the day is a must have feature.