Best Practice Guidelines: The management of lipoedema. Wounds UK. wounds-uk.com, published March 2017 obesity – in which case fat tends to be evenly distributed over the whole body (a balanced diet and regular exercise work well in treating obesity)

Herbst KL, Mirkovskaya L, Bharhagava A, et al. Lipedema fat and signs and symptoms of illness, increasing with advancing stage. Archives of Medicine, 2015; 7(4:10): 1–8 Some health professionals may find it difficult to make a clear diagnosis, but some improved diagnostic tools are being developed. Differences between lipoedema and lymphoedema Unlike fat that is accumulated when you gain weight, the fat in lipoedema areas does not decrease if you diet (by reducing calories) or exercise. exercise – low impact exercise such as swimming helps to increase your mobility and improve circulation A medical professional may use imaging techniques, such as an ultrasound or an MRI scan, to help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Diagnosing lipoedema

Compression garments: Specially fitted compression garments or bandages are worn which help relieve swelling and reduce the odds of fluid buildup It is important to talk to your GP if you have lipoedema to discuss the most effective treatment plan for your situation. Your doctor may also suggest other health professionals and associated groups that can provide you with support and information about how to deal with lipoedema. Where to get help A person may develop large extensions of skin and fat. These visible, large folds of skin and fat can protrude from the limbs. This can cause the legs to appear columnar. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lipoedema. But treatment can help to slow it down, stop it getting worse and help you to manage it. Compression therapy

MLD is a specialist type of light massage that is mainly used to reduce swelling caused by fluid. People with lipoedema say that it can help to reduce pain and discomfort. You may have this alongside compression therapy. Pain control The cause of lipedema isn’t fully understood, though it is believed female hormones play a significant role in its onset, due to the condition mostly occurring in women. Scientists also believe genetics may be a factor.Physical examination revealed sparse reticular veins, absence of Godet and Stemmer signs, and pain on palpation of areas with greater fat deposition. The bioimpedance test (Tanita ®, BC-601, Illinois, United States) showed a body mass index (BMI) of 21.2 kg/cm 2 with 29.8% body fat and lower-limb volume of 19 668.55 mL. Al-Ghadban S, Cromer W, Allen M, et al. Dilated blood and lymphatic microvessels, angiogenesis, increased macrophages, and adipocyte hypertrophy in lipedema thigh skin and fat tissue. Journal of Obesity. 2019; (4–10): 1–10. doi:10.1155/2019/8747461 Psychological support for those living with lipoedema. Lipoedema UK. lipoedema.co.uk, accessed April 2021 There’s a mountain of information online about Lipedema if you look in the right places, but I always found it a bit sinister. The first thing I typed into Google after my diagnosis was ‘can Lipedema be cured?’, when I read the words ‘there is currently no cure for Lipedema’ my heart sank. How could this be in this day and age?