LIPOEDEMA

This condition can be difficult to diagnose. First identified in 1940, it still mystifies many in the medical world. As with lymphoedema patients, those affected by lipoedema, and it seems to be only women, are often prescribed water tablets and diets, both of which have no effect.

Lipoedema is caused by a deposit of abnormal fat. There is a marked difference in size between the upper part of the body which can be relatively slimmer than the lower half, where both legs have symmetrical fat deposits resembling riding breeches with additional fatty pads on the inner side of both knees.  Usually the swelling is from the hips to the ankles.  The feet are unaffected.

Lipoedema can be very painful; the patient may be extremely tender to the touch and bruises easily. With some patients it has been known for arms to be affected as well.

Over time, in patients with lipoedema, lymphatic drainage can become impaired resulting also in lymphoedema.

Treatment:
Lipoedema is always difficult to treat, particularly if the patient has a lot of pain.  The same conservative treatment as with lymphoedema is carried out and this can improve the condition but it is a very slow process.  A course of MLD beforehand can often help to lessen the pain levels in a number of patients so that there is better compliance with the whole treatment process.