It extends downward toward the ankles but does not affect the feet.

This condition is inherited, occurs almost exclusively in women, and most cases gradually develop during puberty. Unlike the fat associated with obesity, the fat associated with Lipoedema cannot be exercised away or reduced with diet.

The symptoms of Lipoedema

• Pain is present particularly along the shin.

• In the early stages of Lipoedema the upper part of the body may be slender.

• When weight is gained, it accumulates in the areas of the hips and legs.

• When weight is lost, the fat decrease occurs in areas other than those affected by Lipoedema. Weight loss does not occur in the area between the waist and ankles.

• Fat that extends down the legs creates a ring of fatty tissue that overlaps the tops of the feet.

• Swelling develops in the legs during the second half of the day; however, this swelling decreases during sleep.

Lipoedema and Lymphoedema

While Lipoedema is not a disorder of the lymphatic system, Lipoedema and Lymphoedema are often confused because both conditions involve enlargement of the legs. Lipoedema and Lymphoedema are distinctly different conditions; however, Lipoedema can cause secondary Lymphoedema to develop in the feet and the lower extremities to be present as a co-morbidity. There are several features about Lipoedema that distinguish it from lower extremity Lymphoedema affecting both legs.

• Lipoedema is symmetrical because the excess fat involves both legs equally. Lymphoedema is not symmetrical and often occurs in only one leg.

• Lipoedema swelling has a characteristic ring at the base of the ankle where the swelling stops. Lymphoedema swelling often begins at the foot and there is not ring at the base of the ankle.

• Lipoedema does not include swelling of the foot; lymphoedema swelling affects the foot, ankle, and leg.

• Lipoedema patients often complain of pain when touched.

What Can Help / Treatment?

When Lipoedema and Lymphoedema are present concurrently, the Lymphoedema therapist must balance the needs of both conditions.

• Because of the pain associated with Lipoedema, manual lymph drainage using very light strokes are used. These gentle strokes open the superficial lymphatics, which are located just under the skin, and decrease the pain by clearing blocked draining areas and clogged lymph nodes. After several sessions, when the pain is less, the therapist can begin working on the affected limbs.

• Compression garments are not applied until the patient is able to tolerate them without pain. Some researchers believe that once the patient can tolerate compression, this may help to reduce the amount of fat that is present.