Lymphoedema vs lipoedema: 7 Key Differences

Many people get confused with the terms Lipoedema (lipedema) and  lymphoedema. Nevertheless, they are two different medical conditions. lipoedema and lymphoedema often cause confusion due to their similarity in names and  some symptoms; the most common one is swelling in the limbs. However, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches. To understand the differences between these conditions, I wrote this blog, So, let’s have a look!

What is Lymphoedema?

Lymphedema is caused by the malfunction (blockage or dysfunction) of your lymphatic system causing the accumulation of lymph fluid in a specific part of your body, especially limbs. 

Lymphoedema causes

• Congenital lymphedema: present at birth, an it is called primary lymphoedema
• Cancer: Tumors can block lymphatic pathways or lymph nodes, causing fluid accumulation.
• Some infections can lead to lymphatic damage.
• Surgery : Removal or damage to lymph nodes or vessels during cancer surgeries
• Genetics: Some patients are born with lymphatic system abnormalities.
• Radiotherapy: Radiation can damage lymph nodes and vessels, leading to scarring and obstruction.
• Accident or  trauma: Severe injuries or burns can damage the lymphatic system.
• Inflammatory response: Can lead to lymphatic dysfunction.
• Problems with the endocrine system 
• Dependency or immobility: Lack of movement can hinder lymphatic flow.
• Obesity: Excessive body weight can obstruct lymphatic drainage and increase the risk of lymphedema.
• Venous related: Poor vein function can lead to increased lymphatic pressure and overload.

Lymphoedema symptoms

• Asymmetrical Swelling. It usually affects one limb more than the other.
• Heaviness and Tightness. Patients often report a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected limb.
• Skin Changes. Severe cases show thickened and hard skin. Fibrosis 
• Recurrent Infections. lymphoedema increases the risk of cellulitis and other infections due to impaired lymphatic function.
• Pain and discomfort: From pressure of the tissue
• Pitting +/-: Skin dents, noticeable from clothing
• Lymphorrhoea: leakage of fluid
• Distortion of shapes: The bottom of the limb is bigger than the top

What is Lipoedema?

Lipoedema (lipedema) is a chronic condition characterized by the abnormal enlargement of fat cells, primarily in the lower part of your body (most seen in women). The exact cause is not know, but experts link it to hormonal changes and genetic factors.

Symptoms of Lipoedema

• Symmetrical Swelling. It affects both legs or arms equally, often sparing the hands and feet.
• Painful Fat Deposits. The fatty tissue can be tender or painful to the touch, often described as “painful fat syndrome.”
• Progressive Condition. Lipedema can progress through different stages, leading to more severe symptoms over time.
• Easy Bruising: The skin in the affected areas tends to bruise easily with minimal trauma.
• Fat Deposits:  An abnormal and disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes the upper arms.
• Fatigue and Heaviness: Affected limbs may feel heavy and fatigued, making it difficult to move or exercise.
• Diet-Resistant Fat: The fat associated with lipoedema does not respond to traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise.
• Cool Skin: The skin over the affected areas can feel cooler to the touch compared to unaffected areas.

Lipoedema Treatment 

Lipoedema treatment involves an holistic approach aimed at managing symptoms while improving the quality of life of patients. Some of them are:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Nutrition: An anti-inflammatory diet focusing on whole foods, plant-based options, and hydration can be beneficial. Although weight loss does not cure lipedema, maintaining a healthy diet can help to reduce symptoms.
• Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise helps to reduce inflammation, improve mobility and increase lymphatic flow.

2.Compression Therapy

• Compression Garments (stockings or pneumatic compression devices) help to reduce fluid buildup and manage swelling. It’s essential to find a comfortable type and gradually increase the compression level as your GP indicates .

3. Physical Therapy 

• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This specialised massage technique promotes lymph fluid movement and can reduce swelling, pain, nodes, stiffness and discomfort.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: These therapies aim to improve strength, range of motion, and daily functioning.

4. Surgery ( liposuction in severe cases of lipoedema)

5. Medication

There is medication for lipedema, but your GP may prescribe pain relievers or other medications to help you deal with symptoms.

6. Psychological Support

Lipedema is a chronic condition that highly impacts on self-image and quality of life of patients, for that reason, psychological support or counseling have many benefits.

Lymphoedema vs lipoedema: 7 Key Differences

1. Cause: Lymphedema is caused by lymphatic dysfunction, while lipedema is primarily a fat disorder.
2. Symmetry: Lymphedema often presents asymmetrically, whereas lipedema is symmetrical. In other words, Lipedema appears bilaterally and symmetrically, while lymphedema is often unilateral and may appear to be either symmetrical or asymmetrical.
3. Affected Areas: Lipedema typically usually doesn’t involve feet and hands, while lymphedema may  involve these areas.
4. Lipoedema is non-pitting, and lymphedema involves pitting edema.
5. Skin infections and open wounds are rare in lipedema but common in lymphoedema.
6. Swelling and fibrosis can be seen in all stages of both conditions.
7. Lipedema is sometimes called “painful fat syndrome” because patients have inflamed, hardened, and painful nodules of fat under their skin. On the other hand, lymphoedema patients also show pain, however, it tends to be more diffuse and feels like a more widespread heaviness or tightness.

In short

Lipoedema or Lymphoedema requires a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan that may involve various specialists. The combination of lifestyle changes (nutrition, hydration and exercise), compression therapy, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention can help manage symptoms effectively and improve the quality of life for those affected by this conditions

Understanding the differences of these conditions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment, as misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective management of them. 

We hope this information was useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507867/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17175-lipedema

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoedema/