LYMPHEDEMA Those who suffer from lymphedema in both of their arms may want to consider having their COVID-19 vaccine injected into their thigh or another part of the body. Lymphedema is a chronic and painful condition that causes abnormal swelling in certain parts of the body due to a build up of lymph fluid in the tissues. While some people are born with lymphedema, others develop the condition after there is damage to their lymphatic system, which can be caused by trauma, injury, or a burn. Itâs more common, however, for people to develop lymphedema in a part of the body where lymph nodes have been removed or damaged, such as in cancer treatment.