OEDEMA OR

LYMPHOEDEMA:
SWOLLEN LEGS
AND FEET

WHAT DOES
Sometimes our legs or feet become swollen and
feel uncomfortable. This is known as oedema and it

OEDEMA LOOK
happens when fluid in our lower legs or feet has trouble
returning back up through the body.

WHAT CAN CAUSE LIKE?

LEGS AND FEET Oedema is a buildup of fluid
in the tissues of the body.

TO SWELL? The swelling can occur in

one particular part of the
body (for example the feet
Venous hypertension / insufficiency or ankles), or may be more
‘ Venous’ is anything related to our veins. Swelling often general, depending on the
happens when our veins are not working as well as they cause. This image shows a
should. Blood is pumped from our heart to the rest of chronic case.
our body through our arteries and returns to our heart Lymphoedema
through your veins. Blood is then propelled back to our Legs and feet can also become swollen if we have
heart by our heart pumping. Our leg and foot muscles problems with our lymphatic system. This is known as
help this along by circulating blood as you walk and lymphoedema. The lymphatic system can be thought
move your ankles. of as a waste disposal system that takes tissue fluid and
Our veins contain one-way valves that stop the blood waste products away from the tissues around your skin,
falling back towards your toes. These valves can fat, muscle and bone.
become weak or damaged. When this happens, our Once the tissue fluid is inside the lymphatic vessels,
veins become swollen (varicose veins) that blood is which are just under the surface of our skin, it becomes
forced into the tissue of your skin making it swell. known as ‘lymph’. Lymph is then transported in one
direction by larger and deeper lymphatic vessels.
Lymph moves when we are active and when we breath
deeply, so any physical activity helps the lymph vessels
work better and prevent or reduce any swelling. Being
active is an essential part of treatment.
Cardiac oedema
Swelling in the lower legs can also be caused by right-
Get the lowdown on leg and sided congestive heart failure. This is known as cardiac
foot conditions at oedema and also causes shortness of breath and
weight gain. It is important that cardiac oedema is

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considered if you are being treated for these symptoms,
and before you are prescribed compression therapy.
However someone with a cardiac problem may also
have other problems, such as lymphoedema, that must
be treated.
 TREATMENT
Lipoedema
Our legs and feet can also swell if we have a condition
called lipoedema. Lipoedema is a condition that makes
us accumulate fat below the waist, so our hips, buttocks The treatment for swollen legs depends on what has
and legs appear out of proportion to your upper body. caused the swelling.
It can also affect our arms. Lipoedema looks and feels Compression therapy (support bandages or socks)
different to normal body fat – it is softer and dimpled,
If your legs or feet are swollen because of venous
like cellulite.
insufficiency or lymphoedema and there are no
Lipoedema is thought to be a genetic inherited problems with the blood supply to your legs or feet,
condition because often more than one family member then you are likely to require compression therapy.
is affected. It is thought to only affect women but there Compression therapy improves blood supply by applying
are very rare reports of men with similar signs and pressure to the leg. This can be done by bandaging the
symptoms. lower leg or by wearing supportive socks, stockings or
You can read more about lipoedema on our lipoedema tights. Compression therapy is very effective at reducing
page or visit lipoedema.co.uk. swelling and healing or preventing sores or ulcers.
There are lots of different types of compression therapy

GETTING so ask your nurse to find something that is right for

you. Your legs may feel uncomfortable at times in

DIAGNOSED compression stockings or bandages. This is often

towards the end of the day when your legs can become
more swollen. This can be relieved by elevating your legs
If your legs or feet are swollen, make an appointment at for a good amount of time, stretching your ankles and
your GP practice. You might be given an appointment to calf muscles - wiggling toes can also help. You may have
see the nurse rather than the doctor as nurses are often been experiencing pain in your ulcer before compression
responsible for caring for patients with leg problems. treatment. We would advise that you continue with any
Alternatively, there might be a Leg Club or specialist leg pain relief you may have been prescribed. Compression
clinic in your area. You don’t need a referral from your stockings or bandages should not increase pain. If your
GP to go to one of these pain increases or becomes severe, contact the nurse or
Remember to remove any nail polish from your toenails doctor who prescribed them.
before your appointment.
When you see the nurse or doctor, they should:
• Ask about your symptoms and how long you have
HEALTHCARE
had problems
• Examine your lower legs
ADVICE
• Do a special test called a Doppler Ultrasound. This There are some lifestyle changes you can make to help
test measures the blood pressure in your ankle and reduce your swelling:
compares it to the pressure in your arm to see if • Maintain a healthy weight
you have problems with the blood supply to your
• Be as active as you can. Aim to take light to
lower leg. You may have to come back to have your
moderate exercise such as swimming or walking for
Doppler test on another day or at another clinic but
about thirty minutes at least three times a week.
you should have this test within a few weeks of your
first appointment. • Avoid standing for a long time – keep your feet and
legs moving as much as you can.
You might also be offered some other tests to check for
other health problems such as diabetes and anaemia • Try to avoid sitting for long periods with your legs
that can affect your legs. down, put your feet up – elevate your legs above your
heart.
If your GP practice thinks you have problems with your
veins or arteries, they might refer you for further tests at Every so often, move your feet around in circles, then up
your local hospital or specialist clinic. and down. This helps your blood circulate and get back
to your heart.

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