Lipoedema & Lymphoedema Treatment
Lipoedema & Lymphoedema Treatment
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Lipoedema is a long-term condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fatty tissue, most commonly affecting the legs, hips and buttocks, and sometimes the arms. It almost exclusively affects women and often develops or worsens during times of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy or menopause.
Unlike general weight gain, the fat associated with lipoedema is resistant to diet and exercise. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall health, people with lipoedema often find that the affected areas do not reduce in proportion to the rest of the body.
People with lipoedema may experience:
Symmetrical enlargement of the legs and/or arms
Pain or tenderness in the affected tissues
Easy bruising / A feeling of heaviness, reduced mobility & fatigue
Swelling that may worsen throughout the day
The feet and hands are often unaffected, creating a noticeable "cuff" appearance at the ankles or wrists.
How is Lipoedema Managed?
How is Lipoedema Managed?
Although there is currently no cure, symptoms can often be managed successfully through a combination of:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Compression garments (when appropriate)
Regular exercise
Weight management
Healthy nutrition
Skin care
Education and self-management
Early recognition and appropriate management can help improve comfort, mobility and quality of life.
What is Lymphoedema?
What is Lymphoedema?
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition caused by a build-up of protein-rich fluid within the tissues due to reduced lymphatic drainage. It commonly affects the arms or legs but can occur anywhere in the body.
Lymphoedema may develop after surgery, radiotherapy, cancer treatment, trauma or infection, or it may occur because the lymphatic system has not developed normally (primary lymphoedema).
Although lymphoedema cannot currently be cured, early assessment and appropriate treatment can significantly improve symptoms and reduce the risk of progression.
Management often includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression therapy, exercise, skin care and self-management techniques.
Common symptoms include:
Common symptoms include:
Swelling
Heaviness
Tightness
Reduced flexibility
Discomfort and recurrent skin infections if left untreated
Lipoedema vs Lymphoedema – What's the Difference?
Lipoedema vs Lymphoedema – What's the Difference?
Although lipoedema and lymphoedema can both cause swelling, they are different conditions.
Lipoedema is characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue, usually affecting both legs or both arms symmetrically. It often causes pain, tenderness and easy bruising, while the feet and hands are typically spared.
Lymphoedema results from a reduced ability of the lymphatic system to drain fluid, leading to swelling caused by a build-up of protein-rich fluid. It may affect one limb or both and often involves the feet or hands.
Some people may have both conditions, known as lipo-lymphoedema, where longstanding lipoedema places additional strain on the lymphatic system. An accurate assessment is important because treatment recommendations may differ depending on the underlying condition.
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