Lipoedema symptoms are characterised by the following:
Lipoedema Symptoms
- Painful and abnormal accumulation of fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks, legs and often in the arms
- Legs may become swollen, bruise easily, feel tender and uncomfortable
- Column shaped legs in early stages
- Small spider or varicose veins in affected areas
- The legs and arms accumulate fat symmetrically. A single limb with disproportionate fat may be a similar condition called ‘lymphoedema,’ which can also arise as a result of untreated lipoedema
The most prominent feature of lipoedema fat is that it cannot be exercised or dieted away; nor will weight loss surgery, pills, potions, or powders make the lipoedema weight disappear in the legs or arms. Many patients eat well and exercise yet continue to develop fat on their lipoedemic areas.
If you feel as though you have been experiencing these symptoms you can read more about treatment here, or learn about Lipoedema during the Group Zoom Information Session. This is your opportunity to meet Dr Lekich and hear an overview of Lipoedema, the way it is diagnosed and treated, as well as what you can do now to get started before you see the Doctor for a one-on-one consultation. You can book a group zoom by clicking the button below.
Lipoedema Symptoms: Case Study
Meet Jacqueline Williams, a 44-year-old teacher from Cairns, who had long sensed something unusual about her body. From her teenage years, she felt that while her upper body seemed normal, her legs didn’t quite fit. The early signs of lipoedema began when she was just eight years old—her legs ached, her skin lacked elasticity, and she bruised easily, especially on her hips, thighs, and eventually her arms. She recalls needing to sit at the edge of her chair to avoid discomfort in her thighs and suffering from sunburn more easily than others.
Despite living with these symptoms for years, it wasn’t until much later that Jacqueline was officially diagnosed with lipoedema. She was relieved to finally have a name for the struggles she had faced for most of her life.
Jacqueline soon began on a conservative management plan, which included working with a chiropractor, manual lymphatic drainage, wearing compression garments, and walking in water for 30 to 60 minutes a day.
Despite this, the physical limitations of lipoedema persisted and began to affect Jacqueline’s daily routine. She struggled to move around, particularly when getting up from the ground during her teaching lessons. Her passion for outdoor activities like hiking and camping also became difficult to enjoy. As her symptoms persisted, she decided to pursue surgery with Dr. Lekich.
