Chronic oedema of the lower limb — Practical guidance on diagnosis, effective treatment and ongoing management

What is it about?

The overall aim of this document is to introduce the non-specialist healthcare professional to the importance of the recognition of chronic oedema and to promote an appreciation of the different clinical variations. It is anticipated that this will enable earlier intervention in patient care by providing effective management strategies including compression therapy and, if “locally” available, earlier referral of the patient to a specialist practitioner or clinic/centre that deals with patients with more complex forms of chronic oedema. It is also anticipated that specialist practitioners will use the document as an additional resource for themselves and their colleagues. The document also includes recommendations on manging wounds associated with chronic oedema. Historically these clinical services have often run independently despite the growing evidence that wounds will not heal unless chronic oedema is controlled and conversely wounds may precipitate chronic oedema. This also marks an important partnership between the two international organisations: The European Wound Management Association (EWMA) and the International Lymphoedema Framework (ILF).

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