ISSUE 4: Swelling is common but treatable

ISSUE 4: Swelling is common but treatable. Early action can make all the difference.

Introduction from Stacey Bradshaw, Lymphoedema Occupational Therapist and Educator

Many Australians live with leg swelling, but we don’t really know how common it is because people often don’t seek help. Swelling can be gradual or dismissed as “just fluid”, but it isn’t a normal part of ageing and shouldn’t be ignored. Persistent swelling in the legs can increase the risk of skin problems, infection (such as cellulitis), slow-healing wounds, and reduced mobility. The good news is that early identification and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce these risks.

The challenge is in making sure that people who have leg swelling are identified and referred to the right services who are trained to help. The first step is awareness. That’s why Wounds Australia’s Beat the Swell campaign matters. Recognising early signs and seeking advice promptly can prevent complications. If you or someone you care about has ongoing swelling, tighter shoes or socks, skin changes, or repeated infections, speak with a trained health professional. Swelling is common but treatable. Early action makes a big difference.

What are the warning signs of lower limb swelling?

Spot the early warning signs:

Tired, aching, or heavy legs
A sensation of increasing tightness of your socks and shoes, particularly towards the end of the day
Your socks or shoes leaving a mark or indent
Skin on your legs, ankles or feet that looks shiny or feels tight
Ankle or foot swelling
Swelling that doesn’t improve with rest

When swelling is a red flag:

Swelling that lasts more than a few weeks should be assessed by a health professional
Swelling that affects one leg more than the other may indicate venous or lymphatic disease
Redness, pain, leaking fluid, or sudden changes may signal infection or cellulitis, which requires prompt care

How to Beat the Swell?

Small actions, big impact

Persistent swelling in the legs can increase the risk of skin problems, infection (such as cellulitis), slow-healing wounds, and reduced mobility. Over time, it can affect confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life. The good news is that early identification and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce these risks.

Speak to a health professional
They may perform a lower limb assessment and, depending on their findings, recommend compression socks or stockings.

Stay active
Gentle walking and ankle exercises help circulation.

Look after your skin
Keep it clean and moisturise twice daily if you can.

When to see a professional?

Persistent swelling may signal an underlying health issue and should be assessed by a healthcare professional (Healthdirect Australia). When swelling persists, it can place strain on the skin and underlying tissues. This may reduce circulation, increase skin vulnerability, and raise the risk of wound development (Wounds Australia).

Addressing swelling early can reduce the risk of chronic wounds, shorten healing time, and improve overall quality of life (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care).

Speak to your GP, nurse or accredited lymphoedema practitioner if you or a loved one experiences swelling.

Key takeaways

Chronic swelling is called lymphoedema
Limb swelling is common, particularly in older adults, but it should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing
Warning signs of lower limb swelling are tired, aching, or heavy legs, or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest
You can Beat the swell by speaking to a healthcare professional, stay active and by looking after your skin
Speak to your GP, nurse or accredited lymphoedema practitioner if you or a loved one experiences swelling

Beat the Swell is an annual day of action every February designed to spotlight the problem of lower limb swelling. It’s an initiative of Wounds Australia, the national peak body for chronic wounds, and partners. Find more Beat the Swell information at woundaware.org.

Recognise the Swell

In our latest instalearn, find out how to recognise the swell to beat the swell.

Test your knowledge!

Hear from Stacey & the team at Beat the Swell

Stacey Bradshaw
Lymphoedema Therapist

What can you do to beat the swell?

Melissa Freeman
Clinical Nurse Specialist

What daily care steps can prevent complications?

Prof. Fiona Wood AO
Plastic Surgeon and Burns Specialist

If there’s one takeaway message for Austalians, what is it?

Who is Wounds Australia?

Wounds Australia is the national peak body for the prevention, treatment, management, and healing of wounds. We work to ensure patients receive the best quality care possible and, even more importantly, to minimise unnecessary suffering and expense by preventing chronic wounds from occurring in the first place.

woundsaustralia.org

Coming soon: tips, tools & personal stories

Over the next few issues, you’ll get:

Wound care dos and don’ts
Where to seek help
Personal stories that hit home
Advice for carers and families
Free downloads and shareables

Follow us on social media!

Stay up to date with Wound Aware across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Don’t miss out – sign up here to never miss an issue!

References:

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2019) Preventing and managing pressure injuries. ACSQHC.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (n.d.) Preventing and managing pressure injuries and chronic wounds. ACSQHC. Available at: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au

Australasian Lymphology Association (2020) Position statement on the management of lymphoedema. Australasian Lymphology Association.

Australasian Lymphology Association (n.d.) Lymphoedema management and early intervention guidance. Australasian Lymphology Association. Available at: https://www.lymphoedema.org.au