Chronic oedema may affect any part of the body but is commonly seen in the limbs, particularly the legs. It can be due to several causes, so ‘chronic oedema’ is a broad term referring to swelling that has been present for at least three months. This condition has been shown to be more common than originally thought. It is at least as prevalent as leg ulceration, and its prevalence increases in older age groups (Moffatt et al, 2003).