If you experience painful, heavy or disproportionately enlarged legs or arms, easy bruising, tenderness or swelling, you may be wondering whether lipedema could be contributing to your symptoms. At Restore Lymphoedema Care, I provide individualised lipedema assessments and management to help you understand your symptoms and find practical ways to manage them.

Lipoedema is a connective adipose tissue disorder that almost exclusively affects women. It is characterised by a symmetrical, disproportionate distribution and build-up of fat. This mainly affects the hips, buttocks and legs, and sometimes the arms. The fat is different to ‘normal’ fat, and affected skin can therefore be uneven and nodular in texture. Heaviness, discomfort and pain and bruising in the affected areas are common symptoms. Lipoedema can impair mobility and normal day-to-day activities and wellbeing.

Lipedema assessment
Lipedema can be difficult to distinguish from other causes of limb enlargement, and there is no single test or scan that confirms a diagnosis.
Your assessment includes a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a clinical assessment of your legs and/or arms. I will look at the distribution of tissue, symmetry, tenderness, bruising, swelling and other features associated with lipedema.
Where appropriate, I will also consider whether lymphoedema, venous conditions or other factors may be contributing to your symptoms.


Lipedema management
Lipedema management is individual to each person. The aim is to help you better understand your condition, manage your symptoms and maintain your mobility and quality of life. Depending on your symptoms and goals, your management plan may include:​

• Compression assessment and advice

• Education and self-management strategies

• Support with managing swelling, heaviness and discomfort

• Monitoring and reassessment over time

• Referral or collaboration with other healthcare professionals where appropriate
   

What happens at your first appointment?
Your first appointment is relaxed, private and non-judgemental.
We will discuss your symptoms, health history and concerns before completing a thorough clinical assessment. I will explain my findings and talk through the management options that may be appropriate for you.
You will have time to ask questions, and we will work together to develop a plan that suits your body, your symptoms and your goals.