Experiences with
LipoedemaCheck if you have lipoedema
Lipoedema is more common in women. It usually affects both sides of the body equally.
Lipoedema can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes your arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body.
In early-stage lipoedema, you may have bigger legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body.
You may have a large bottom, thighs, and lower legs, but your feet are not usually affected.
Sometimes lipoedema can affect the arms too, but the hands are not usually affected.
The affected skin feels soft and cool and may be dimpled with an "orange peel" texture.
You may also have pain, tenderness or heaviness in the affected limbs, and you may bruise easily.
Lipoedema affects people differently.
Some people have mild symptoms that do not affect their life. Others can struggle with physical problems, blaming themselves for the changes in their body, and have mental health problems.
- you have symptoms of lipoedema
- you have swollen legs, ankles or feet and the swelling has not improved after a few days
- your leg or legs become swollen, red, hot and painful and you have flu-like symptoms
You may have cellulitis (a skin infection) and need treatment with antibiotics.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online .
Treatments for lipoedema
If the GP thinks you have lipoedema they may refer you to a specialist for treatment.
There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help and stop it getting worse.
Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how they're affecting you.
The main treatments are:
- eating healthily, doing more exercise and trying to maintain a healthy weight
- wearing compression stockings or bandages to reduce pain and discomfort, and make it easier for you to walk
- looking after your skin – for example, by regularly using moisturising cream (emollients) to stop your skin drying out
- counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) if you're finding it difficult to cope with your symptoms and you feel depressed
- a procedure to get rid of the fat (liposuction) if your symptoms are particularly severe – you may need more than 1 operation and it may not be available on the NHS
Compression therapy
Compression therapy can sometimes help manage lipoedema.
A specially trained clinician will assess you and recommend the most suitable type of compression.
Causes of lipoedema
The exact cause of lipoedema is not clear.
It's not caused by being overweight – you can be a healthy weight and still get it.
It may be caused by changes in your hormones:
- during puberty
- when you're pregnant
- when you're going through the menopause
- when you're taking the contraceptive pill
Sometimes lipoedema runs in families.
SymptomsMedical treatmentsCausesThe main symptom of lipoedema is it can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes arms look out of proportion with the rest of your body.
Lipoedema cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help, including diet and exercise, compressing stockings, counselling and liposuction.
The exact cause of lipoedema is not clear. It may be caused by hormone changes and can run in families. It's not caused by being overweight.
Related links
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