The awareness, diagnosis and management of chronic oedema and lymphoedema is improving. The enduring treatment format for the condition has always been regarded as the 'four cornerstones' of care for maintenance therapy in the UK. However, with changes in technology, availability of additional treatments and increased research and studies, this baseline is changing. This article outlines some of the recent changes and advancement in diagnostic tools and new technologies used in diagnosing and managing lymphoedema and chronic oedema. Emerging therapies will be introduced, as will other aspects of care that may now be considered 'essential care' in the management of lymphoedema and chronic oedema.