Screening and assessment can help identify and respond to actual or potential risks
Chronic Oedema
Oedema present for more than 3 months which is not fully resolved by overnight elevation
Some of the impacts of chronic oedema
- Legs feel heavy, so people walk less Balance deteriorates.
- Gait is impacted due to stiff joints caused by swelling
- Poor footwear choices
- Falls risk increases
- Reduced mobility contributes to social isolation
- Wounds more common (1)
Cellulitis more common (2)
Sources:
(1) C Moffatt et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Chronic Edema in U.K. Community Nursing Services. Lymphatic Research and Biology. Volume 17, Number 2, 2019
(2) E.A. Burian et al. Cellulitis in chronic oedema of the lower leg: an international cross-sectional study. British Journal of Dermatology (2021) 185, pp110–118
Improve your process of screening and assessing
Need help to navigate chronic oedema management?
COS can point you in the right direction