Table 4 Staging of podoconiosis lymphoedema (after Tekola et al. (2008) [12])

1

Swelling reversible overnight: the swelling is not present when the patient first gets up in the morning

2

Below-knee swelling that is not completely reversible overnight; if present, knobs/bumps are below the ankle ONLY. Persistent swelling that does not reach above the knee. If knobs or bumps are seen or felt, they are only present below the ankle, NOT above the ankle

3

Below-knee swelling that is not completely reversible overnight; knobs/bumps present above the ankle. Persistent swelling that does not reach above the knee. Knobs or bumps can be seen or felt above the ankle as well as below

4

Above-knee swelling that is not completely reversible overnight; knobs/bumps present at any location. Persistent swelling that is present above the knee.

Knobs or bumps can be seen or felt at any place on the foot or leg

5

Joint fixation; swelling at any place in the foot or leg. The ankle or toe joints becomes fixed and difficult to flex or dorsiflex. This may be accompanied by apparent shortening of the toes