Lipoedema- Have you heard of this condition?

Many people react with "Lipo what?" upon hearing about this condition, which is not surprising given that even many doctors find it challenging to diagnose, as it is identified by a collection of symptoms.

Regrettably, individuals are frequently misdiagnosed with obesity and advised to alter their diet and exercise regimen, which is ineffective for this condition and may exacerbate their symptoms, whilst affecting their mental health through ongoing pain and sometimes judgmental comments.

Lipoedema, although incurable, can be managed with a correct diagnosis. It is a condition that affects 1 in 11 women, (so more than likely you have seen it).

The condition causes a reduction of mobility and pain due large fatty tissue enlargement and is often found in lower extremities, and sometimes hips, buttocks and up to the waist. It can also be present in the arms also.

What are the symptoms?

As stated by Australian Lipoedema Association (2023), Lipoedema often exacerbates at times of hormonal changes such as Puberty, Pregnancy or Menopause with all of some of these symptoms being:

• bilateral fat growth in the legs, buttocks, thighs, and/or arms

• Appearance of lumpy, nodular fat in other areas of body, including abdomen, groin, breasts and scalp

• Waist may appear smaller in proportion to lipoedema affected areas of the body

• Distinct ‘bracelet’ or ‘cuffing’ (Often later in condition progression), effect at the wrist and ankle may be present, as feet and hands usually not affected

• Easily bruised with minimal trauma

• Sensation of heaviness, achiness or discomfort in affected areas

• Affected areas are sensitive to touch and often feel cold

• Soft, wobbly fat that can have a cellulite or ‘mattress’ like appearance

• Increased discomfort in hot weather

• Diet and exercise have minimal impact on affected areas

• Reduced hair growth on affected areas

Treatment:

Once diagnosis is made then appropriate conservative management of:

• Exercise

• Compression garments

• Manual Lymphatic drainage

• Pain management as assessed by your treating Doctor.

• Treatment needs to include a multi-treating team including a Lymphoedema/Lipoedema Therapist.

• If conservative treatments are not managing your condition, then discussing Liposuction treatments is a conversation to have with your doctors.

• Treatment should be a multi-professional approach. Garments, and Manual Lymphatic Drainage, should be provided by a qualified Lymphatic therapist. To find a qualified therapist near you, please use the following link:

  
  

  accreditation & Practitioners Registry (lymphoedema.org.au)

  
  

• If you're not sure what Lipoedema looks like here are some images:

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