Lymphoedema refers to swelling that occurs most often in either one or both of the arms or legs. The swelling occurs when a blockage in your lymphatic system prevents the lymph fluid in your arm or leg from draining. As the fluid accumulates, the swelling continues.

Our lymphatic system is crucial in keeping our bodies healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout our bodies, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. The lymphatic system carries these through lymph vessels, which lead to lymph nodes. The waste is then filtered out by lymphocytes - infection-fighting cells that live in your lymph nodes - and ultimately flushed out of the body.