Lipoedema Treatment

Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life. It is more common in women and usually affects both sides equally.  

Women may have heavy legs, a narrow waist and much smaller upper body. Some women may have a large bottom, thighs and lower legs yet the feet are unaffected.  

Some women have fatty upper arms yet the forearm and hands are unaffected. There may be pain, tenderness or heaviness in the affected limbs and may bruise easily. Joints may be affected which can make walking difficult, and some people may have knock knees and flat feet.

If the skin is tight and firm but does not hurt to touch, and leaves a dent when thumb presses down on the skin, then the condition could be lymphodema. That is a problem of the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection and drain excess fluid from the tissue). That may cause swollen feet, most usually. But in lipoedema, the feet are not usually affected. 

Compression therapy can sometimes help manage lipoedema. As well as changing diet possibly, massage therapy and water-based activities may improve the condition. Liposculpture may help too, which also changes the body shape by removing the excess fat cells. But compression is also necessary after liposculpture/ liposuction.