Lipoedema

Lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women and presents as a symmetrical enlargement of both legs and lower half of the body due to an abnormal deposition of fat. Often wrongly labelled as obesity, this condition responds poorly to diet and exercise with sufferers experiencing weight loss in other parts of the body when attempts are made to restrict calorie intake. The legs are often tender and there is a tendency to bruise easily.

In lipoedema sufferers there is often an insufficiency in the lymphatic system causing some oedema or the lymphatic system may simply be overloaded, again causing oedema.

Individuals who suspect they may have lipoedema should consult a therapist to have their condition assessed thoroughly. Diagnosis is often achieved via a careful case history of past and present symptoms along with visual and palpatory assessment of the legs.

Although often responding slowly to treatment, the symptoms of lipoedema can be alleviated with MLD and compression where tolerated. It is of importance to seek correct advice on the management of the condition as neglect can lead to future problems should combined lipo-lymphoedema develop.