However, Lipoedema does not affect feet or hands.
Lipoedema: recognize and treat rider's pants.
Without treatment, people with Lipoedema can go on to develop lymphoedema.
Lipoedema most commonly affects the whole of both legs and less often arms.
Lymphoedema and Lipoedema can be distressing conditions,
and being affected can affect your mental well-being.
Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat cells,
and it's almost exclusively a female condition.
It is important to see your doctor if you think you might have Lipoedema or lymphoedema.
They can also help with treatment, both to improve your Lipoedema and to prevent lymphoedema developing.
However, the only way to get rid of the fat cells that cause Lipoedema is a form of liposuction.
In fact, while Lipoedema is made worse by carrying excess weight,
many women with Lipoedema are within the normal weight range.
Because Lipoedema often runs in families,
it is important to explain to them which, if any, members of your family(almost always female) are affected.