Lymphoedema specialists from Strathcarron Hospice engage with "Legs Matter Week."

Lymphoedema specialists from Strathcarron Hospice were out and about in the local community on an information raising mission as part of Legs Matter Week (9th – 13th June).

Staff visited Torwood Garden Centre and Forth Valley Royal atrium to speak to members of the public about lymphoedema, a condition where a collection of lymph fluid cannot drain away.

The condition can be caused by a variety of factors including cancer, cancer treatments, trauma, injury or genetic causes. The result is swelling – often of the limbs but other parts of the body such as the head and neck or the trunk can be affected too.

As lymphoedema is a chronic condition, the aims of treatment are individualised to help people manage this as independently as possible. Skin care, gentle exercise and sometimes compression garments and self-massage are all part of the long-term management of lymphoedema.

Laura Johnston, Strathcarron Lymphoedema Practitioner, said:

“Every day, thousands of people’s quality of life is devastated by the lack of support and advice on the prevention of lower leg and foot conditions and the failure to correctly diagnose and treat them.

“It is estimated that more than a million people in UK suffer from serious leg and feet conditions which are often untreated. In Scotland, more than 20,000 people live with chronic leg swelling, sometimes called lymphoedema.

“Most of them suffer unnecessarily for years due not accessing the right care.

Our trained lymphoedema and lipoedema Strathcarron Hospice staff are the only specialists in the conditions in the Forth Valley. Treatment is available – it may not cure – but it can transform everyday living!”

Lymphoedema Fast facts

A good night’s rest is vital – insufficient bed rest/elevation can cause increased leg swelling and leakage.
The lymphatic system which helps us balance fluid can’t work without movement – keep active – any movement is better than none!
Keep skin clean and well moisturised to keep your legs healthy
Anyone working on their feet all day should wear properly measured compression hosiery. Compression socks need to fit well and be comfortable to be effective.

Find out more about www.legsmatter.org

Find out more about our lymphoedema service Strathcarron Lymphoedema Service . Referrals must be made via your GP.