Overview

Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life, but there are things you can do that may help.

Check if you have lipoedema

Lipoedema is more common in women. It usually affects both sides of the body equally.

Lipoedema can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes your arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body.

In early-stage lipoedema, you may have bigger legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body.

You may have a large bottom, thighs, and lower legs, but your feet are not usually affected.

Sometimes lipoedema can affect the arms too, but the hands are not usually affected.

The affected skin feels soft and cool and may be dimpled with an "orange peel" texture.

You may also have pain, tenderness or heaviness in the affected limbs, and you may bruise easily.

Lipoedema affects people differently.

Some people have mild symptoms that do not affect their life. Others can struggle with physical problems, blaming themselves for the changes in their body, and have mental health problems.

Other causes of large or swollen legs

There are other things that can cause large or swollen legs.

If you have swelling in all or part of a limb or another part of the body, it could be lymphoedema.

This can affect any part of the body, but usually develops in the arms or legs and develops when the lymphatic system does not work properly.

Sometimes, a build-up of fluid can cause the legs, ankles or feet to become swollen. This is called oedema. In lipoedema, the feet are not usually affected.

Read more about swollen legs, ankles and feet (oedema)

See a GP if:

• you have symptoms of lipoedema
• you have swollen legs, ankles or feet and the swelling has not improved after a few days

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 Wales if:

• you have symptoms of lipoedema
• you have swollen legs, ankles or feet and the swelling has not improved after a few days
• your leg or legs become swollen, red, hot and painful and you have flu-like symptoms

You may have cellulitis (a skin infection) and need treatment with antibiotics.

Treatments for lipoedema

If the GP thinks you have lipoedema they may refer you to a specialist for treatment.

There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help and stop it getting worse.

Your treatment will depend on how severe your symptoms are and how they're affecting you.

The main treatments are:

• eating healthily, doing more exercise and trying to maintain a healthy weight
• wearing compression stockings or bandages to reduce pain and discomfort, and make it easier for you to walk
• looking after your skin – for example, by regularly using moisturising cream (emollients) to stop your skin drying out
• counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) if you're finding it difficult to cope with your symptoms and you feel depressed
• a procedure to get rid of the fat (liposuction) if your symptoms are particularly severe – you may need more than one operation and it may not be available on the NHS

Compression therapy

Compression therapy can sometimes help manage lipoedema.

A specially trained clinician will assess you and recommend the most suitable type of compression.

LymphCare has more information about compression therapy.

Getting support

Talking to someone and getting support can help if lipoedema is affecting your quality of life.

Lipoedema UK and Talk Lipoedema can give you help and advice about managing the condition. They can also put you in touch with other people with lipoedema.

Causes of lipoedema

The exact cause of lipoedema is not clear.

It's not caused by being overweight – you can be a healthy weight and still get it.

It may be caused by changes in your hormones:

• during puberty
• when you're pregnant
• when you're going through the menopause
• when you're taking the contraceptive pill

Sometimes lipoedema runs in families.