Lymphedema Therapy May Improve Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A retrospective cohort study presented at SAWC Spring 2026 found that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) was associated with shorter healing times and higher closure rates in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and lymphedema. While not statistically significant, results suggest that proactive edema management may improve outcomes, particularly in patients without concurrent leg ulcers.
Key Clinical Summary
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) was associated with improved healing rates and shorter time to closure in patients with DFU and lymphedema.
- Patients receiving MLD demonstrated higher 12- and 20-week closure rates compared to those without therapy.
- The greatest benefit was observed in patients with DFU and lymphedema without concurrent leg ulcers.
Introduction
At the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring 2026 in Charlotte, NC, investigators presented data examining the impact of lymphedema therapy on diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. They found that addressing edema through manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may improve healing outcomes. Given that peripheral edema is common in DFUs and current guidelines recommend assessment but lack specific treatment direction, this study provides important insights into potential therapeutic strategies.
Poster Highlights
In this retrospective cohort study, Kimberly Eby, FNP-BC, CWS; Brian Schmidt, DPM; Kourtney Noll, BHA; and Crystal Holmes, DPM, CWSP, evaluated healing outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and concurrent lymphedema over a 10-year period at a multidisciplinary wound center. Patients were categorized into 2 clinical groups: those with DFU and lymphedema alone (DFU/LE), and those with DFU, lymphedema, and an additional leg ulcer (DFU/LE/LU). Each group was further divided based on receipt of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD).1
Among 20 patients treated with MLD, the mean time to wound healing was 22.5 weeks (range: 3.9–74 weeks). Closure rates reached 45% at 12 weeks and 65% at 20 weeks. In contrast, 21 patients who did not receive MLD had a longer mean healing time of 25.9 weeks (range: 3.6–77 weeks), with lower closure rates of 38% at 12 weeks and 57% at 20 weeks.1
Read the full summary on WoundSource.com.
Reference: 1. Eby K, Schmidt B, Noll K, Holmes C. Lymphedema Therapy Improves Outcomes in Patients with Concurrent Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Lymphedema. Presented at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care Spring, April 2026.
