What causes lymphoedema?
There is evidence of a genetic predisposition to
Lipoedema, as well as hormonal changes, but little is
currently known about how and why lipoedema develops in an
individual.
How do I know if I am
developing or have developed lipoedema?
Unfortunately, there are no diagnostic tools or tests for
lipoedema, so diagnosis involves a clinical assessment.
.Symptoms vary, and may present as a combination of some
of the symptoms listed below, together with increasing
severity as and if the disease progresses.
- Symmetrical accumulation of fatty tissue in legs
usually from waist to ankles. Feet are not affected,
with distinctive fat rings around ankles (if
Lipolymphoedema is present this may differ).
Lipoedemic fat accumulation can occur in upper arms,
with fat ring around wrists
- Legs can be hypersensitive to touch and pressure
- Lipoedemic fat pads accumulate on upper outer
thighs, inner thighs and above, below and inside the
knee – often causing abnormal gait and joint
pain
- Hypermobility
- Loss of the concave spaces either side of the
Achilles tendon
- Non-pitting edema and negative Stemmer’s sign on
feet and hands
- Altered skin temperature, texture and appearance
- Restrictive diets have very little effect on
Lipoedemic fat
- Bruising easily
If I have lipoedema, how
should it be managed?
Each element needs to be tailored according to the
severity of symptoms, degree and complexity of tissue
enlargement, whether there has been progression to
lipolymphoedema, and your psychosocial status
- Psychosocial support, management of expectations and
education, including family planning, pregnancy advice
and genetic counselling
- Healthy eating and weight management
- Physical activity and improving mobility
- Skin care and protection
- Compression therapy
- Management of pain
What should I do if I
notice symptoms of lymphoedema?
Unfortunately,
there are no known blood or urine biomarkers at the
moment, nor are there any specific diagnostic tests
for Lipoedema, and medical professionals are unaware of
Lipoedema,
However through organizations such as
Lipoedema
Australia this is gradually changing. Lipoedema is
often mistaken for obesity which is why recognition and
diagnosis is so important.
Lipoedema Australia has a paper especially to take to
your medical
professional as a referenced guide to Lipoedema.
Feel free to print this out for your use.
Two other Lipoedema Australia publications many also be
of use:
Good to know:
Fiveways
Physiotherapy provides professional treatment and advice
to assist you in managing your Lipoedema