Monday 10 June 2024 marks the beginning of Legs Matter Week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the often-overlooked issues surrounding leg and foot health. In alignment with this campaign, Provide Community’s Tissue Viability Services is stepping up to raise awareness and offer support to residents across Essex.
Legs Matter Week serves a crucial reminder of the hidden harm crisis in the treatment of leg and foot conditions. Provide Community’s Tissue Viability Service is dedicated to the assessment and treatment of individuals with, or at risk of, compromised tissue viability. This includes addressing serious conditions such as leg ulcers and non-healing wounds.
As part of the week’s activities, The Tissue Viability team will host a drop-in clinic on Tuesday 11 June. Also joining the Tissue Viability team with members of the Provide Podiatry team. This will take place on their mobile clinical van at Braintree Village in the South Car Park. From 9:30am to 3pm, residents are encouraged to visit the clinic to meet the team, discuss any concerns and receive free leg checks.
Andrea McDonald, Divisional Operational Lead Tissue Viability at Provide Community, said: “We understand that looking after your legs and feet might not always be a priority, but it is critical to give them the attention they need.
“Even the smallest change in the way your legs and feet look or feel can be a sign of something more serious issues. We are urging everyone to regularly check their legs and feet and to seek advice if something isn’t looking or feeling right.”
Some key symptoms to watch for include:
- Swelling
- Tired, throbbing and painful legs
- Varicose veins
- Dry, itchy and scaly skin
- Reddish/brown staining above the ankle
- Cramp or pain after walking
- Hot, inflamed, and/or itchy tender skin
How do you take care of your legs and feet?
- Help keep blood flowing in your feet by elevating them when sitting
- Move your ankles around and wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, two-three times per day
- Try not to sit with your legs crossed for long periods
- Moisturise daily
- Stop smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Consider compression therapy
Don’t miss the opportunity to ensure your leg and foot health is in check. Visit Provide Community’s mobile clinic at Braintree Village on Tuesday 11 June, and take the first step towards better leg health.
For more information on the Tissue Viability Service click here.
