Three-point leg check – what are your legs and feet trying to tell you? 

Strathcarron Hospice hosts the only specialist Lymphoedema clinic in Forth Valley. Lymphoedema is a collection of lymph fluid which cannot drain away.  It 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 part of #LegsMatterWeek, we’re asking everyone to check their legs and feet and to speak up if things aren’t looking or feeling right. 

 

CHECK 01 – SKIN: Check the skin on your legs and feet for any change in colour or texture, including dry, scaly or red skin, or skin that’s hot to touch. A cut, blister or insect bite that hasn’t healed after two weeks is not normal and needs to be seen by a nurse or podiatrist.  

 

CHECK 02 – SHAPE: Swollen legs or feet are your body’s way of saying that something isn’t right. This might be because of an injury or it could be a sign that your veins or lymphatic system aren’t working as well as they should. If your legs or feet are uncomfortably swollen, they need to be seen by a nurse or podiatrist.  

 

CHECK 03 – FEEL: It’s normal to feel occasional cramp in your legs when walking but if it happens a lot, it could be a sign that your body’s circulatory system isn’t working as well as it should. Tired, throbbing and painful legs can also be a sign that something’s not right. 

Don’t ignore even the smallest change to the skin, shape or feel of your legs and feet. 

Contact our Lymphoedema Team on [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.