Swollen legs, stolen lives: how oedema steals mobility and independence
Swollen legs are often dismissed as a minor or inevitable problem. In reality, unmanaged oedema can be the first step toward loss of mobility, independence, and quality of life.
This webinar raises awareness of how lower limb swelling triggers a downward spiral of heaviness, pain, reduced movement, muscle weakness, and fear of activity- often leading to deconditioning and patients becoming 'off-legs.' Everyday coping strategies, such as reduced walking or sleeping in a chair, can unintentionally worsen the problem.
Aimed at all healthcare professionals, this session shifts the focus from treating symptoms to recognising early warning signs and acting sooner. It highlights how simple, timely interventions can protect mobility, prevent avoidable decline, and help people remain independent for longer.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will:
- Understand how oedema drives loss of mobility and independence
- Recognise behaviors and environments that worsen lower limb swelling
- Identify early intervention points to prevent patients becoming “off-legs”
- Apply practical strategies to help break the cycle
- Tools that can help: Ascenda Demonstration
Meet our Experts
Sarah has always had a keen interest in Tissue Viability since becoming a registered nurse in 2002. Her experience varies from within a community setting, where she completed her Tissue Viability based degree in 2007. She then worked within the private sector to gain additional advanced wound care skills whilst working with a medical devices company specialised in wound healing. In 2010, Sarah became a Tissue Viability Nurse and shaped a specialised service within the acute sector for 7 years before returning to the community setting as a TVN.
People who watched this also watched...
Conversations that matter: Navigating sensitive topics with patients and families
Join Kate Jackson as she reflects on experiences of conversations that feel challenging and shares her learning about how to reduce anxiety, stress and worry about interactions with patients and families. Kate will explore concepts and skills that help to build confidence in addressing topics that may feel uncomfortable and offer tips and strategies that can be used in health and social care practice.
Mental Capacity Act
This session on the Mental Capacity Act will pick up on common questions asked by Occupational Therapists.
Career safety and infection control - NASHICS
This webinar focused on safety, risk reduction and infection control for carers, and those being cared for while using care home equipment.