Introduction from Stacey Bradshaw, Lymphoedema Occupational Therapist and Educator:
Many people in Australia live with leg swelling, however we don’t truly know how common it is. Why? Because too often, people don’t seek help. Swelling may be gradual, painless, or dismissed as “just fluid”. It is important to know that swelling is not a normal part of ageing, and it should never be ignored.
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.
Health professionals follow best-practice guidelines that consistently show early management of leg swelling can lower the chance of infection, support faster wound healing, and reduce the likelihood of wounds returning once healed. 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 is so important. By encouraging people to recognise the early signs of leg swelling and seek advice promptly, we can prevent complications before they start. If you or someone you care about notices ongoing swelling, tightness in shoes or socks, skin changes, or recurrent infections, it’s worth having a conversation with a trained health professional. Swelling is common but treatable. Early action can make all the difference.
Limb swelling: what might your body be telling you?
Limb swelling is common, particularly in older adults, but it should not be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Healthdirect Australia highlights that persistent swelling may signal an underlying health issue and should be assessed by a healthcare professional. 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).
Australian lymphology guidance also emphasises the importance of recognising swelling early. The Australasian Lymphology Association notes that prompt assessment and appropriate management can significantly improve long-term outcomes and help prevent complications that may otherwise become difficult to treat (Australasian Lymphology Association).
- 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.
From swelling to sores: what is the connection?
Unmanaged swelling can lead to changes in the skin and surrounding tissues. As fluid builds up, the skin stretches and becomes fragile, making it more prone to cracking, injury, and breakdown (Wounds Australia). Excess fluid can also interfere with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients required for tissue repair, slowing the healing process and increasing susceptibility to infection (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care).
Guidance from Wounds Australia highlights a strong link between prolonged swelling and the development of venous leg ulcers and other chronic wounds. Without effective management, swelling may contribute to delayed healing and recurrent wound complications.
Why early care matters
National safety and quality guidance stresses that prevention and early intervention are key to reducing wound complications and avoidable hospital admissions (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care). Addressing swelling early can reduce the risk of chronic wounds, shorten healing time, and improve overall quality of life.
Acting early also helps people maintain mobility, independence, and confidence in daily activities. By recognising swelling as a potential warning sign and seeking timely care, individuals can reduce the likelihood of more serious health impacts in the future (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care).
Hear from Stacey & the team at Beat the Swell
Lymphoedema Therapist
What can you do to beat the swell?
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Prof. Fiona Wood AO
Plastic Surgeon and Burns Specialist
If there’s one takeaway message for Austalians, what is it?
In our latest instalearn, find out how to recognise the swell to beat the swell.
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
Healthdirect Australia (2023) Oedema (swelling). Healthdirect Australia. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/oedema
Healthdirect Australia (2025) Oedema (fluid retention). Healthdirect Australia. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/oedema
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2022) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (Red Book). RACGP.
Wounds Australia (2016) Standards for wound prevention and management. Cambridge Publishing.
Wounds Australia (n.d.) Lower limb oedema and wound management resources. Wounds Australia. Available at: https://www.woundsaustralia.com.au
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.
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
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