Without treatment, people with lipoedema can go on to develop Lymphoedema.
Properly fitted shoes that don't rub if you have Lymphoedema of the feet.
Lymphoedema and lipoedema can be distressing conditions,
and being affected can affect your mental well-being.
They must be chosen by a multidisciplinary team as part of a Lymphoedema service.
It is important to see your
doctor if you think you might have lipoedema or Lymphoedema.
Secondary' Lymphoedema is much more common-
it's caused by blockage of, or damage to, your lymph channels.
They can also help with treatment, both to improve your lipoedema and to prevent Lymphoedema developing.
In the early stages,
it may be possible to reverse Lymphoedema, especially if any blockage can be cleared.
If you push your thumb into an area of Lymphoedema, you will usually get a dent in the skin.
Primary' Lymphoedema isn't triggered by anything and
is caused by faulty genes which mean your lymph system doesn't develop properly.
However, treating Lymphoedema with regular lymphatic drainage and compression, and taking steps to avoid complications, can
often prevent it from worsening.
Your doctor may
want to refer you for the tests used to diagnose Lymphoedema(above) to see whether your symptoms are caused by lipoedema.
Unlike Lymphoedema, it isn't caused by surgery or infection-
it often runs in families and tends to develop when your hormone levels are fluctuating(puberty, pregnancy, menopause).