Lipedema and lymphedema can both cause leg swelling, making it challenging to distinguish between them without medical expertise. If you experience ongoing swelling, heaviness, or discomfort in your legs, you may question whether it's lipedema or lymphedema.

Lipedema, a painful fat disorder that predominantly affects women, results in a symmetrical buildup of fat. In contrast, lymphedema is characterized by fluid retention, often impacting only one limb. Although these conditions are frequently confused, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. 

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a condition characterized by an abnormal buildup of fat. This disorder mainly affects women and often begins or worsens during hormonal changes, such as puberty or pregnancy.

Unlike regular fat, if you have lipedema legs, your body does not respond to diet or exercise. Some of the lipedema symptoms can be summarized as follows:

• Symmetrical fat builds up in the legs, hips, and thighs.
• Discomfort, aching, or sensitivity in the affected areas.
• Skin that bruises more easily than normal.
• Persistent swelling that does not reduce with elevation or rest.
• Fat deposits that do not decrease despite weight loss efforts.
• Firm, lumpy texture under the skin.
• Difficulty walking or moving as the condition progresses.

Lipedema causes

Lipedema or lymphedema are two conditions that detecting them at home can be challenging. If you have lipedema symptoms such as typical fat distribution or discomfort, you should see a doctor.

There are several causes of lipedema, which contribute to its development and progression.

• Genetics
• Hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
• Chronic inflammation

Lipedema Treatment

You may wonder about how to get rid of fat deposits on legs. Effective management of lipedema involves combining appropriate surgical and non-surgical treatments with a disciplined lifestyle.

Sticking to the treatment plan and maintaining these lifestyle changes can significantly improve symptom control. Unfortunately, neglecting these factors can increase the likelihood of the treatment being unsuccessful.

Some of the lipedema treatment options your doctor may perform are:

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression therapy to relieve swelling and discomfort
• Liposuction
• A balanced diet and low-impact exercise

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system. This condition results from the accumulation of lymph fluid, which can cause significant discomfort, reduce mobility, and increase the risk of infections.

To understand lymphedema, you should learn its symptoms:

• Swelling in the limbs that doesn't subside with rest or elevation.
• A sensation of fullness or tightness in the affected areas
• Difficulty moving the affected limb due to stiffness.
• The skin may become thickened and fibrotic over time.
• One leg larger than other
• Hardening of the skin
• Frequent infections such as cellulitis

Lymphedema Causes

Lipedema or lymphedema diagnosis at the doctor’s clinic will save a lot of time. Because you may confuse these conditions. To detect lymphedema, expert may perform limb volume calculation and imaging testing such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans.

Some of the common lymphedema causes are:

• Surgical removal of lymph nodes
• Radiation therapy
• Infections
• Genetic factors

Lymphedema Treatment

There are 4 components in the treatment of lymphedema. Lymphedema vs lipedema topic is also challenging in this stage. Because treatment options are similar.

• Manual lymphatic drainage
• Compression therapy
• Exercise
• Skin care to prevent infections
• Surgical options in advanced cases

Lipedema vs Lymphedema? Which One do You Have?

Lipedema or lymphedema are often confused due to their similar symptoms, as previously mentioned. However, they are distinct conditions with different causes and treatment approaches.

Below you can find a comparison of lipedema vs lymphedema symptoms:

• Lymphedema results from lymphatic system blockages, while lipedema is a fat disorder unrelated to the lymphatic system.
• Lymphedema typically affects one limb, while lipedema symmetrically affects both legs and sometimes arms.
• Lymphedema causes fluid retention and swelling, whereas lipedema involves fat accumulation that does not respond to diet or exercise.
• Lipedema is often painful and tender to touch, while lymphedema may cause discomfort due to swelling but is less likely to be painful.
• Lymphedema can cause skin hardening and thickening, while lipedema often presents with a lumpy, uneven skin texture.
• Lymphedema affects both men and women, while lipedema predominantly affects women.

After seeing the comparison of lipedema versus lymphedema, a question may come to your mind: Which is worse lipedema or lymphedema? Each condition has its own specific effects.

The lipedema vs lymphedema diagnosis process is almost the same; both conditions can be diagnosed with ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan. Lastly, lymphedema may cause infections and complications, while lipedema causes pain and mobility issues.

Learn More about Lipedema Treatment at Phoenix Healthy

Phoenix Healthy offers access to first-class lipedema treatment through a team of experts. The specialized care ensures patients receive the highest standard of treatment. Guided by experienced and skilled doctors, the process utilizes the latest techniques to enhance quality of life.

For more information on lipedema treatment options and other medical services, feel free to contact the Phoenix Healthy at any time.