Karin Stepputtis is an experienced physiotherapist and lymphoedema therapist specialising in the treatment of:
Lymphoedema caused by cancer (specialising in breast cancer, head and neck cancer, melanoma, and gynecological cancer)
Axillary web syndrome (Cording)
Based in Blackwood, Karin is well respected as a caring, skilled, and passionate lymphoedema expert.
What is Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is a condition of localized fluid retention causing swelling in one or more regions of the body. It is caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
There are two types of lymphoedema. The most common is secondary lymphoedema. It often occurs as a consequence of cancer treatment, where lymph nodes have been removed or where radiotherapy was necessary.
In most cases, Lymphoedema will develop in the arm or leg. But depending on the type of cancer, it can also occur in the breast, head and neck, genitals, or abdomen.
Other causes for secondary lymphoedema are venous disease (e.g after deep vein thrombosis or vein stripping), infections like cellulitis, obesity, tissue damage after injury (deep wounds or fractures, skin grafts), immobility, and dependency.
Primary lymphoedema is much rarer, genetic condition that develops because lymph vessels are not formed well.
Also related to lymphoedema is Lipoedema, a painful swelling of thighs, legs, buttocks, and sometimes arms due to an abnormal build-up of fat cells. This condition affects mostly women.
Signs of Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema builds up slowly. First signs are tightness, heaviness, or pins and needles in the affected body part. Jewellery or shoes might feel tight. Joint movements of the affected limb are feeling stiff. Some people might experience ache or pain.