Chronic Oedema in the Lower Limb: Practical Guidance on Diagnosis, Effective Treatment and Ongoing Management
Summary: EWMA position document provides practical guidance for chronic lower limb oedema: pathophysiology (lymphatic/venous/phlebolymphoedema), differential diagnosis, conservative/compression therapy (gold standard), skin/wound care, clinical pathways, patient perspectives, epidemiology/economics. Emphasizes early intervention, multidisciplinary care for VLUs/DFUs with oedema.
Key Highlights:
- Pathophysiology: Lymphatic failure, venous insufficiency.
- Treatment: Compression core; skin care, exercise.
- Pathways: Structured diagnosis/management.
- Economics: High burden; early treatment cost-effective.
Keywords: chronic oedema, lower limb, compression, diagnosis, EWMA