Putting on a bit of weight is not normally something to worry about, especially at this time of year. Our size can fluctuate due to a number of factors such as changes in diet and getting less exercise, which is often the case at Christmas.
However, if you start to notice an unusual build up of fat in your legs this could be cause for concern. Lipoedema is a medical condition that causes an “abnormal” build-up of fat in areas – usually the legs and sometimes the arms.
Because of the way the extra weight is distributed it could mean you are no longer able to see your ankles when looking down. Lipoedema usually affects the thighs and lower legs, but not the feet.
While it is not usually known what has caused this condition to occur, it is more common in women than men. And as there is no cure, affected people often just have to carry out their daily lives as best they can.
However, this can be “painful” according to the NHS, due to the swelling.
The health body explains: “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.”
How to tell if you have lipoedema
It could be difficult to distinguish between weight gain or swelling and lipoedema, however, there are some tell-tale signs.
“Lipoedema can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes your arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body,” the NHS says.
In the early stages of lipoedema, you may have bigger legs, a narrow waist and a much smaller upper body.
You may develop a large bottom, thighs, and lower legs, but your feet are “not usually affected”.
Similarly to the legs and feet, lipoedema might affect the arms but not the hands, making them look out of place.
Another distinguishing feature is that the affected skin feels soft and cool and may be dimpled with an “orange peel” texture.
The NHS adds: “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.”
Treatments
There’s currently no cure for the condition, but there are things that can help and stop it getting worse.
Your GP might refer you to a specialist to decide what treatments will be best for you.
These could include:
- 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.
You should speak to your GP if you have symptoms of lipoedema, or you have swollen legs, ankles or feet and the swelling has not improved after a few days.
