FAQ’s
Needing help with weeping infected swollen legs?
Posted on August 13, 2025
Do you or a family member suffer from one or more of the following issues?
- Overweight, heavy swollen legs
- Difficulty with walking or getting in and out of bed because of heavy legs. Becoming wheel-chair bound.
- Persistent ‘weeping’ legs.
- Slow-healing, infected and sometimes painful open wounds.
- Repeated infections (cellulitis) in affected legs.
- Been to multiple doctors and placed on water tablets, diuretics (Frusemide) but not much success. Became house-bound because cannot make it to the toilet quickly so would have an accident if outside.
You do not need a miracle, LK Lymphoedema Centre (see clinic flyer for more information) can help you with a Lymphoedema Management Plan that will be both clinically appropriate, effective and yet safe in application. No referrals required but may be advisable if the individual has multiple medical conditions. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has a resource document (2024) covering What is Lymphoedema? that you may wish to discuss with your GP.
Call the LK Lymphoedema Centre on 08 9383 3838 if any queries or book online.
Where is LK Lymphoedema Centre located now?
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No longer in Claremont or Cottesloe. Since May 2024 LK Lymphoedema Centre moved and relocated to St John of God Mount Lawley, within Mercy Physiotherapy. Enter via Entrance D, off Ellesmere Road. Download the site map here. Video guide may be of help.
Parking information here. Contact remains 08 9383 3838.
Update on Lipoedema 2025
Posted on July 28, 2025
Lipoedema or lipedema is a syndrome or chronic condition where there is abnormal (disproportonate) symmetrical accumulation of fat tissue in both legs compared to the upper body coupled with abnormal pain. That is, tenderness to touch in those tissues. This can sometimes be in the arms. Usually, the feet and hands are spared. However, Lipoedema is NOT overweight nor obesity though these may present with Lipoedema. My earlier blog entry in 2019 on Lipoedema, see link.
Diagnosis is still in its infancy, there is no specific blood test or objective investigation or imaging to confirm Lipoedema. Medical practitioners may use ultrasound/imaging to help and blood tests to rule out other potential conditions at the initial stage. This is essential so go see your doctor/specialist/GP first, bring the document from RACGP with you. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has a pdf document (2024) that touches briefly on Lipoedema. Henceforth, once there is medical clearance from your doctor/GP, diagnosis is usually based on clinical sign and symptoms upon patient report and physical examination later.
At LK Lymphoedema Centre, our Lipoedema conservative (non-surgical) treatment focuses on strategies to manage signs and symptoms to the individual’s mobility, comfort and importantly, your quality of life. Call us on 08 9383 3838 or book online. More details via the LK Lymphoedema Centre Flyer.
ABC Australia ‘s report and youtube video elaborated.
What is Lymphoedema or Lymphedema and what causes it?
Posted on June 19, 2019
This is tissue swelling caused by a defect of the lymphatic system which is a part of the immune and circulatory system. Lymphoedema can arise from primary or secondary causes.
Primary causes are congenital in origin that can manifest at different stages of life. That is, at birth, teenage or later in life commonly middle age. Do you have other family members that have similar presentations as you?
The other causes can be Secondary due to trauma; injury; surgery including removal of lymph node(s) in cancer, hip/knee replacement; vascular procedures e.g. vein stripping; radiotherapy, infection, being wheel-chair bound or simply being severely overweight.
There are other conditions that may appear to Lymphoedema, too. Once you have received medical assessment and clearance by your doctor, the clinician (Linda) can help you work out what the possible cause is and how to address the condition.
Signs and symptoms of Lymphoedema
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Lymphoedema is a form of tissue swelling that develops gradually and can present in any part of the body but more commonly in the legs.
If the condition is left unaddressed for an extended period of time, the common signs and symptoms include:
- Swelling in any part of the body e.g. legs, feet, arms, head and neck, breast
- Heaviness and restricted movement
- Delayed wound healing
- Skin thickening (fibrosis) and other skin changes or growth
- Repeated infections and sometimes hospitalisation
- Localised discomfort and pain
What is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and Compression Therapy?
Posted on June 24, 2019
Compression Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is a recommended comprehensive treatment for lymphoedema. The aim of CDT is to reduce the swelling and to prevent re-accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the body part. A critical component is application of Compression Therapy consecutively for an intensive period of time followed by a maintenance period.
Compression therapy may involve Compression Bandaging of the affected body part or Compression Wraps, Compression Stockings and/or Compression Pumps.
Working together with you, our clinician will help you in various ways. For example, to improve your capacity to walk, relieve your pain, exercise, and/or return to do what is important to you (Tell the clinician at your First Appointment).
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)?
Posted on June 19, 2019
MLD is a specialised massage therapy to facilitate lymphatic drainage away from the area of swelling. It is one of the integral components in the best practice treatment guidelines.
Your clinician (Linda) is fully certified as an Advanced Practitioner since 2003. She is trained in the Dr Vodder CDT and MLD technique and also with the Lymphoedema Training Academy. She will apply a specialised light stroking massage technique to help with your swelling.
What are the treatment options for lymphoedema?
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Currently, lymphoedema is an incurable and progressive chronic condition.
However, it can be managed successfully if addressed as early as possible and on a regular basis for an excellent quality of life.
This clinic offers various services that involve conservative (non-surgical) treatment options.
The main treatment highly recommended is Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).
This includes an intensive phase of Compression Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and exercise.
Your clinician (Linda) will assess and tailor a suitable plan for you, if indicated.
Cutting Edge Treatments offered
Posted on June 24, 2019
LymphaTouch for scar and lymphoedema care
Our clinician is committed to her trade. She attends and participates in national and international lymphoedema conferences regularly so you can be assured that you will be managed with the latest treatments proven to be more effective. Amongst her many skill-set, Dr Linda Khong, PhD, is a current Vodder-certified Lymphoedema Therapist as well as a certified Oncology Scar Specialist with Restore Scar Therapy (UK).
The clinic has state-of-the-art specialised lymphoedema equipment such as SOZO (Bioimpedence Spectroscopy) for assessment. Watch the video for more information. There is also the LymphaTouch and the latest Electrostatic Deep Oscillation Therapy to treat your swelling, skin changes or stubborn scars.
I have swelling, what should I do?
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We understand unexplained ongoing swelling in the leg(s) or any part of the body can be distressing. Many things can cause swelling e.g. a clot, medication. Did your doctor give you a diagnosis of lymphoedema? Otherwise, we recommend that you seek a thorough medical check-up and clearance prior to making an appointment with us. This is because it is important to determine the cause of your swelling as treatment will differ. Our clinician will assess and examine you at the first appointment.
