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...
Bed standards and side rail provision
This webinar will discuss the issues around the use of bed rails and bed levers and how we can adhere to the guidance. It will discuss what needs to be included in a risk assessment and explore alternative solutions for managing bed falls.
A live demonstration of the FloorBed and JuniorKit will be included.
AI in healthcare: Practical skills for the modern workplace
This webinar demystifies artificial intelligence for healthcare professionals who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about AI's role in clinical practice. Moving beyond tech jargon and hype, we'll explore what AI actually is, how it works in healthcare contexts, and most importantly, how to use it safely and ethically in your daily practice.
Participants will learn practical applications for documentation, care planning, and clinical research synthesis, while addressing critical concerns about patient privacy, data security, and maintaining professional judgment. Through real-world examples from a physical therapy context, attendees will discover how AI can become a valuable thinking partner and help them reclaim time for patient care without compromising quality or ethics. The session incorporates recent ethical guidance from professional organisations to ensure responsible AI implementation.
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.