Lipoedema is a chronic condition primarily affecting women, characterized by the abnormal buildup of fat in the legs, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes arms. It’s often misunderstood and can be painful, significantly impacting daily life. However, it’s crucial to know that lipoedema is a recognized medical condition, and there are management strategies available to help improve quality of life.
Recognizing the Signs: How to Check for Lipoedema
Lipoedema typically presents symmetrically, affecting both sides of the body equally. A key characteristic is the disproportionate appearance of the lower body compared to the upper body.
In the early stages of lipoedema, individuals might notice their legs appearing larger than expected, contrasting with a relatively smaller waist and upper body.
The fat accumulation in lipoedema primarily affects the buttocks, thighs, and lower legs, often stopping abruptly at the ankles, leaving the feet unaffected. This distinct pattern is a significant indicator of lipoedema.
While less common, lipoedema can also affect the arms. Similar to the legs, the fat distribution typically stops at the wrists, leaving the hands unaffected.
Beyond visual changes, the skin affected by lipoedema often feels different to the touch. It may be soft and cool, and characteristically, it can have a dimpled texture, often described as “orange peel” skin.
Pain is a significant symptom for many individuals with lipoedema. This can manifest as pain, tenderness, or a feeling of heaviness in the affected limbs. Easy bruising is another common complaint among those with lipoedema.
It’s important to remember that lipoedema affects individuals differently. Some may experience mild symptoms that have minimal impact on their lives, while others face significant physical challenges, emotional distress, and even mental health issues due to the condition and its impact on body image.
Differentiating Lipoedema from Other Conditions
Swollen legs can be a symptom of various conditions, making accurate diagnosis crucial. It’s important to distinguish lipoedema from other causes of leg swelling.
If swelling occurs in a limb or other body part, it could be lymphoedema, a condition affecting the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema can occur in any part of the body, but it commonly affects arms or legs when the lymphatic system isn’t functioning correctly. Unlike lipoedema, lymphoedema can affect the feet and hands.
Another condition to consider is oedema, which is fluid buildup causing swelling in legs, ankles, or feet. While oedema also presents with swelling, in lipoedema, the feet are typically spared.
When to Seek Medical Advice for Lipoedema
It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have lipoedema or experience persistent leg swelling.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- You notice symptoms of lipoedema.
- You have swollen legs, ankles, or feet, and the swelling doesn’t improve after a few days.
Urgent advice: Seek immediate medical attention by asking for an urgent GP appointment or contacting NHS 111 if:
- Your leg or legs suddenly become swollen, red, hot, and painful, especially if accompanied by flu-like symptoms.
These urgent symptoms could indicate cellulitis, a skin infection requiring prompt antibiotic treatment. You can contact 111 by phone or online for immediate guidance.
Treatments and Management Strategies for Lipoedema
If a GP suspects lipoedema, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and management. Currently, there is no cure for lipoedema, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.
Treatment approaches are tailored to the severity of symptoms and their impact on the individual’s life.
Compression Therapy:
Compression therapy is a cornerstone of lipoedema management. A trained clinician will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate type of compression garments or bandages. Compression therapy helps to support tissues, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort.
For more detailed information on compression therapy for lipoedema, resources like the LymphConnect website offer valuable insights.
Support Systems for Lipoedema
Living with lipoedema can be challenging, and seeking support is crucial for both physical and emotional well-being. Talking to someone and accessing support networks can significantly improve quality of life.
Organizations like Lipoedema UK and Talk Lipoedema provide invaluable help, advice, and resources for managing lipoedema. They also offer opportunities to connect with other individuals living with the condition, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
Understanding the Causes of Lipoedema
The exact cause of lipoedema remains unclear, and it’s not a result of being overweight. Individuals of a healthy weight can also develop lipoedema.
Hormonal fluctuations are believed to play a significant role in the development of lipoedema. These hormonal changes can occur during various life stages:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- When taking the contraceptive pill
There is also evidence suggesting a genetic component to lipoedema, as it sometimes runs in families.
Page last reviewed: 25 July 2023
Next review due: 25 July 2026
