Oedema Treatment

Our experienced team, led by Dr Richard Chasen, provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for all types of lower limb swelling, helping you find relief and get back to your daily activities comfortably.

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Rapid, 48 hour turnaround
Unrivalled experience and expertise
After-hours appointments

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What Is Oedema?

Oedema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. When it affects your feet, ankles, and lower legs, it’s called peripheral oedema. You might notice your shoes feeling tighter, socks leaving marks on your legs, or visible puffiness around your ankles and feet.

The swelling often worsens throughout the day, particularly if you’ve been standing or sitting for long periods. You might find that pressing your finger into the swollen area leaves a temporary dent – this is called “pitting oedema.”

Common Causes of Lower Limb Oedema

Understanding what’s causing your swelling is crucial for effective treatment. Oedema can develop for many reasons:

Circulation Problems

Poor blood flow in your legs can cause fluid to pool in your lower limbs. This often occurs with conditions like chronic venous insufficiency, where the valves in your leg veins don’t work properly, making it harder for blood to return to your heart.

Heart Conditions

When your heart isn’t pumping effectively, fluid can back up in your circulatory system, leading to swelling in your feet and ankles. This type of oedema often affects both legs equally.

Kidney Issues

Your kidneys regulate fluid balance in your body. When they’re not functioning optimally, excess fluid can accumulate, particularly in gravity-dependent areas like your feet and ankles.

Pregnancy

Many expectant mothers experience swelling in their feet and ankles, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. This occurs due to increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure from the growing baby on blood vessels.

Medications

Certain medications can cause fluid retention as a side effect, including some blood pressure medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormone therapies.

Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Jobs that require long periods of standing or sitting can contribute to fluid pooling in your lower legs, leading to temporary swelling that typically improves with elevation and movement.

Lymphatic System Problems

Your lymphatic system helps drain excess fluid from tissues. When this system isn’t working properly, chronic swelling called lymphoedema can develop.

Injury or Infection

Local swelling can occur following an injury to your foot or ankle, or if you develop an infection in the area.

Types of Oedema We Treat

Acute Oedema

Sudden onset swelling that develops quickly, often following an injury, infection, or medication change. This type requires prompt assessment to determine the underlying cause.

Chronic Oedema

Long-term swelling that persists for weeks or months. This often indicates an ongoing underlying condition that needs comprehensive management.

Bilateral Oedema

Swelling that affects both legs equally, often suggesting systemic causes like heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Unilateral Oedema

Swelling affecting only one leg, which may indicate local problems like blood clots, infections, or lymphatic issues.

Lymphoedema

A specific type of chronic swelling caused by problems with your lymphatic system. This condition requires specialised treatment approaches.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Beyond the obvious swelling, oedema can cause several other symptoms:

Skin that feels tight or stretched
Difficulty fitting into shoes or socks
Indentations from socks or shoes that persist
Aching or heaviness in your legs
Reduced flexibility in your ankles
Shiny or stretched-looking skin
Changes in skin colour
Difficulty walking or standing

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild, temporary swelling after a long day might not be concerning, you should seek professional assessment if you experience:

Sudden, severe swelling
Swelling accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing
Swelling with redness, warmth, or tenderness
Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with rest and elevation
Swelling affecting only one leg
Any changes in your skin texture or colour

Our Comprehensive Assessment Process

At The Lower Limb Clinic, we don’t just treat the swelling – we identify and address the underlying cause. Dr Richard Chasen’s extensive experience in lower limb conditions ensures you receive a thorough evaluation.

Initial Consultation

We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle factors that might contribute to your oedema. Understanding when the swelling started, what makes it better or worse, and any associated symptoms helps us determine the most likely causes.

Physical Examination

Our detailed examination includes checking the extent and severity of swelling, assessing your circulation, examining your skin condition, and evaluating your overall foot and ankle health.

Diagnostic Testing

When appropriate, we may recommend additional tests to better understand your condition. This might include measuring limb circumference to track changes over time or coordinating with other healthcare providers for further investigation.

Treatment Options

Compression Therapy

One of the most effective treatments for many types of oedema is properly fitted compression stockings or bandaging. These garments help encourage fluid movement back toward your heart and prevent further fluid accumulation.

We offer various compression options, from light support hosiery for mild swelling to medical-grade compression garments for more severe cases. Proper fitting is crucial – compression that’s too loose won’t be effective, while compression that’s too tight can actually worsen circulation problems.

Exercise and Movement Programs

Specific exercises can help activate your muscle pump mechanism, encouraging fluid movement and reducing swelling. We’ll teach you simple exercises you can do at home or work to keep fluid moving throughout the day.

Elevation Techniques

Learning the proper way to elevate your legs can significantly reduce swelling. We’ll show you effective positioning strategies that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

Skin Care Protocols

Swollen skin is more vulnerable to breakdown and infection. We’ll provide guidance on proper skin care to keep your feet and legs healthy, including appropriate moisturising techniques and signs to watch for.

Footwear Modifications

Swelling can make regular shoes uncomfortable or impossible to wear. We can advise on appropriate footwear options and modifications to accommodate fluctuating swelling while maintaining foot health.

Lifestyle Modifications

Simple changes to your daily routine can significantly impact oedema management. This includes guidance on positioning during sleep, managing salt intake, staying hydrated, and timing of activities.

Lymphatic Drainage

For certain types of oedema, particularly lymphoedema, specialised manual lymphatic drainage techniques can be beneficial. These gentle massage techniques help encourage lymphatic flow.

Coordinated Care

When oedema is related to underlying medical conditions, we work closely with your GP and other specialists to ensure comprehensive management. This might include cardiologists for heart-related swelling or vascular surgeons for circulation problems.

Managing Oedema at Home

While professional treatment is important, there’s plenty you can do at home to help manage your swelling:

Elevation Strategy

Raise your legs above heart level for 15-20 minutes several times daily. The key is getting your feet higher than your heart – simply propping them on a footstool isn’t enough.

Regular Movement

Avoid sitting or standing in one position for extended periods. Simple ankle circles, calf raises, and walking breaks can help keep fluid moving.

Appropriate Exercise

Swimming and walking in water can be particularly beneficial, as the water pressure acts like a full-body compression garment while allowing gentle exercise.

Dietary Considerations

While we’re not nutritionists, reducing sodium intake and staying adequately hydrated can help some people manage their swelling more effectively.

Monitoring Changes

Keep track of when your swelling is worse or better, and note any triggers. This information helps us adjust your treatment plan for optimal results.

Prevention Strategies

Once we’ve addressed your current oedema, preventing recurrence becomes important:

Regular Exercise

Maintaining good circulation through appropriate exercise helps prevent fluid from pooling in your lower limbs.

Weight Management

Excess weight can put additional pressure on your circulatory system, contributing to swelling.

Proper Positioning

Learning to position yourself effectively during work and rest can prevent fluid accumulation.

Early Intervention

Recognising the early signs of swelling and taking prompt action can prevent more severe episodes.

Special Considerations

Pregnancy-Related Oedema

Expecting mothers often develop swelling in their feet and ankles. While this is common, it’s important to distinguish between normal pregnancy swelling and signs of more serious conditions like pre-eclampsia.

Elderly Patients

Older adults are more susceptible to oedema due to age-related changes in circulation, medications, and underlying health conditions. Management often requires a more comprehensive approach.

Diabetic Patients

People with diabetes need special attention for any foot swelling, as they’re at higher risk for complications and may have reduced sensation in their feet.

Why Choose The Lower Limb Clinic for Oedema Treatment?

Experienced Assessment

Dr Richard Chasen’s extensive qualifications in podiatry and lower limb conditions ensure you receive expert evaluation and treatment planning.

Comprehensive Approach

We don’t just treat symptoms – we identify underlying causes and develop holistic management strategies that address your specific needs.

Quality Products

Our on-site fitting service ensures you receive properly fitted compression garments and any other products you need for effective management.

Ongoing Support

Oedema management is often a long-term process. We provide continued support and monitoring to ensure your treatment remains effective.

Convenient Location

Located in Elsternwick, we’re easily accessible from throughout Melbourne, including Caulfield, St Kilda, Brighton, and surrounding areas.

Extended Hours

We understand that oedema can affect your work and daily schedule, so we offer extended-hours appointments to accommodate your needs.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Don’t let swelling limit your daily activities or cause ongoing discomfort. Whether your oedema is a new concern or something you’ve been dealing with for months, our experienced team can help you understand your condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

Ready to address your oedema? Contact The Lower Limb Clinic today:

Phone: 03 9532 7455
Address: 558 Glen Huntly Rd, Elsternwick VIC 3185
Gap-Free Assessments available for eligible patients

We offer comprehensive oedema assessment and treatment, working with you to find the most effective management strategy for your specific situation. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident on your feet again.

If you have more questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us at The Lower Limb Clinic in Melbourne. We’re here to help you find relief and get back to your daily activities.

The Lower Limb Clinic Difference

Rapid 48 Hour Turn-Around

Our in-house laboratory enables us to deliver quality orthotics within a dramatically shortened time-frame, so you can get back on your feet faster.

Unrivaled Experience & Training

Our experienced team is led by Dr Richard Chasen, with over 20 years of experience treating heel pain, and extensive qualifications in orthotics and podiatry.