Lipoedma

Lipoedema (and not to be confused with lymphedema), is a disease of inflamed fat cells that affects primarily women. It causes pain and abnormal sensations in the tissues of the legs, hips, and buttocks.  Some people with lipoedema may also have veins issues.

 It predominately affects women and is widely undiagnosed. 

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Symptoms of Lipoedema

• Both the legs are enlarged

• Bottom and stomach are sometimes affected  - as can be the  arms 

• You can often been described as 'bottom heavy' as your upper body may be a lot smaller

• Feet and hands are not usually affected and a ' cuff' or 'bracelet' effect can appear just above the ankles and wrists

• You may bruise easily

• Increase in Lipoedema is often noticed when significant hormonal changes happen - puberty pregnancy menopause

• Skin can have a cellulite or ‘mattress’ like appearance it can also be described as  orange-peel skin

• 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 issues with walking - knocked knees or flat feet as well as joint pain

• Hypermobility - very flexible

• Altered skin temperature, texture and appearance -often cooler to the touch

• When loosing weight the size of the affected areas do not change