Lymphedema vs Lipedema - Similar but Not the Same

Lipedema is not lymphedema and lymphedema is not lipedema.

Lipedema is a genetic fat disorder causing chronic inflammation in and around these fat cells, usually through your body’s connective tissue. Lipedema usually does not affect the feet or the hands (no swelling to these areas) and feels like loose, spongy and painful fat that is often abnormally shaped. Lipedema fat is painful and tissues easily bruise. There are often complaints of muscle fatigue, reduced standing and activity tolerances and weight that does not respond to diet and exercise.

Lymphedema is a high-protein swelling that is caused by the lymphatic vessels becoming compromised and therefore unable to move lymph fluid through the body, thus causing a heavy and dense swelling. Lymphedema can develop for some women in time if the weight and congestion of lipedema damages the lymphatic vessels responsible for moving lymph fluid. This is called lipolymphedema.

Both conditions respond excellently to treatment, be it conservative or invasive methods. Reach out to Swell Solutions for more information about getting control and ahead of your symptoms.