Lipoedema's history is a tale of misunderstood suffering, with symptoms often misdiagnosed or overlooked. First described in the 1940s, it's characterized by an abnormal buildup of fat, typically in the legs and sometimes in the arms, often leading to disproportionate body contours.
Symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising, which can significantly impact daily life and mental well-being. Despite its prevalence, Lipoedema remains underdiagnosed, often mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. However, awareness is growing, leading to better recognition and understanding among healthcare professionals.
Treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Conservative approaches like compression garments, lymphatic drainage, and dietary interventions can help manage symptoms. In more severe cases, surgical interventions such as liposuction may be recommended to remove excess fat deposits. Additionally, lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in managing Lipoedema.
Finding practitioners who understand this condition is challenging. Please see our Find a Practitioner page for a list of practitioners familiar with the condition here in WA.
We also offer a local Lipoedema Western Australia Facebook support group. Click on the button below for a link to our group.
You may also find this video presentation helpful. Please click on the image to play the video.
