Lipoedema

"Lipoedema | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Healthy living Women's health Middle years (around 25 to 50 years) Long term conditions Lipoedema Lipoedema Lipoedema is a long term (chronic) condition of fat and connective tissue which builds up in your legs, hips, bottom and sometimes arms. It affects both sides of the body equally. Its more common in women and only very rarely affects men. Its not the same as obesity. For some people, it can have a big impact on daily routine, physical health and emotional wellbeing. Symptoms People with lipoedema usually have a small waist, but large hips and thighs. Their upper body and lower body can be completely different sizes. This makes it difficult to shop for clothes that fit right. Symptoms can include: enlargement of your legs, and in some cases arms, but usually not your feet or hands pain, discomfort, heaviness or tenderness affected areas affected areas of your body can bruise easily, sometimes for no obvious reason dimpled legs with a lumpy texture, fat may bulge at the knees swelling that gets worse in the afternoon, evening, after activity or in hot weather spider veins or varicose veins on your legs difficulty walking due to changes in your leg shape, heavy legs, or flat-feet Lipoedema can be linked to mental health problems, for example depression , anxiety and disordered eating. Speak to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. Theyll be able to give you help and advice on how to manage your symptoms. Other conditions Other health conditions, like lymphoedema , can cause large or swollen legs. Sometimes people with lipoedema can also develop this condition. Causes The exact cause of lipoedema isnt known but it may be caused by changes in your hormones: during puberty when youre pregnant when youre going through the menopause when youre taking the contraceptive pill Its not caused by being overweight  you can be a healthy weight and still have lipoedema. Lipoedema can run in families so let your doctor know if you think this is the case for you. Treatment and self-management Treatment will depend on your symptoms and how theyre affecting you. If your doctor thinks you have lipoedema they may refer you to a specialist for treatment. Although theres no cure, there are things which may help. Do maintain a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet  this can also reduce your chances of developing other health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol drink plenty of water take part in activities you enjoy to keep active like swimming, dancing, yoga or walking wear compression garments  tight forms of clothing that help to reduce pain and discomfort, as well as making it easier for you to walk look after your skin  using moisturising cream (emollients) regularly will help to stop your skin drying out manual lymphatic drainage  a specialist type of massage, which may help to reduce discomfort counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)  if youre finding it difficult to cope or if its affecting your mental health Compression therapy Compression therapy uses special compression garments to help manage symptoms. This can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and fluid build up (oedema). Compression garments are often available on prescription. This can include stockings, socks, leggings, arm sleeves, adjustable wraps and sometimes bandaging. Your doctor, practice nurse or specialist will recommend the most suitable type of compression garment for you. Theyll also advise you on how to use it. Further support Lipoedema can affect your quality of life and your mental wellbeing . Talking to someone and getting some extra support can really help. Youre not alone. Talk Lipoedema have lots of help and advice about living well with lipoedema. They can also put you in touch with other people with lipoedema, so you can share your experiences of the condition. Source:\r\n                                        Scottish Government Last updated: 23 March 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me Also on NHS inform Keeping active guidelines Health benefits of eating well Other health sites Talk Lipoedema: Liposuction Legs Matter: Lipoedema NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852"