Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms and legs. It occurs when the body retains interstitial fluid (usually due to a blockage in the lymphatic system) instead of draining the fluid properly. In rare cases, people are born with lymphedema. But more commonly people acquire it after surgery, burn trauma or radiation treatments for various cancers.

No matter what causes a person's lymphedema, it can be a physically and emotionally painful experience. Many people feel self-conscious about their swollen limbs and routine tasks like shoe shopping can evolve into frustrating, uncomfortable experiences. Though there is no ?perfect shoe? for someone suffering from lymphedema, and each person must take it upon herself to find a shoe that properly fits and protects the affected foot, there are a few guidelines you should keep in mind.

What to avoid:

People suffering from Lymphedema should avoid shoes that do not fit properly. In particular, shoes that are too small, do not provide adequate support or leave the foot exposed (open-toed shoes, backless shoes, etc.).

Attempting to fit both feet into the same size of shoe is also a bad idea. If only one foot is affected, then you will need to purchase different sizes for each foot.

Particular styles of shoes to avoid: flip-flops, sandals, high-heels, slip-ons.

What to Look for:

Shoes that work well for people with Lymphedema usually have a toe-box that is both wide and high. Mesh material above the toes can be helpful because it allows air to circulate and sweat to evaporate. Lace-up shoes or Velcro shoes are preferable because they allow adjustments to be made as the foot's size fluctuates.

Remember to shop for shoes at the time of day when your foot is the most swollen. Also, be sure to bring your compression garment when trying on shoes so that you can make sure the shoe fits even when your foot is wrapped. If you want to wear orthopedic insoles for extra support (a good idea for anyone whose foot problems are contributing to bad posture and back pain), purchase shoes only after you have tried them on with the insoles. Like the compression garment, the insoles will take up extra space and will cramp your foot if the shoe is not adequately large to accommodate them.

Buy different sizes for each foot so that the fit can be exact. Don't make one foot suffer so the other can be comfortable.

Particular styles of shoes to look for: athletic shoes, Diabetic shoes, lace-ups and shoes that fasten with Velcro.