A national day to raise awareness about leg swelling
Swollen legs have many causes – and often serious consequences. Join us on the third Thursday of every February to create awareness on why legs and feet swell, where to seek help when they do, and how you can Beat the Swell!
Recognise the swell to Beat the Swell
Symptoms of swollen legs
Tired, achy legs
Ankle and foot swelling
Socks and shoes feeling tight
Heavy feeling legs
Do you recognise these symptoms?
They may indicate underlying conditions such as venous disease or lymphatic issues. Early action matters. Speak to your GP or nurse, or find an accredited lymphoedema practitioner.
Are you a healthcare professional?
We hold in-person and online learning for healthcare professionals around Australia every Beat the Swell Day.
Catch up on an informative webinar with Dr Elizabeth Webb originally broadcast on 19 February 2026.
Please note this webinar is intended for healthcare professionals only.
Learn more in our factsheet
Not a healthcare professional but keen to find out more? Click the image to download our factsheet.
Did you know...?
In Australia, it is estimated that approximately 70,000* people are living with lymphoedema.
Chronic venous insufficiency affects 1û2 people per 1,000.
Up to 50% of venous ulcers are unhealed after 9 months, and 1 in 3 patients experiences recurring ulcers.
38%** of older people receiving community-based care experience chronic oedema.
Despite these numbers from the Australian and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery, many individuals with lower limb conditions don't receive the care they need.
Beat the Swell is a new awareness and education initiative on prevention, early detection, and effective treatment of lower limb conditions. It is an initiative of Wounds Australia with these incredible partners.
* Towards an estimate of the prevalence of lymphoedema in Australia, AIHW report (p5)
** Prevalence and risk factors for chronic lower limb oedema in the older population - a community cohort study, Wound Practice and Research Journal.