What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is part of your body’s circulatory and immune systems. It helps to keep your body healthy by keeping a healthy balance of fluid in tissues, transporting proteins and digested fats to provide your cells with nutrients, and helping to fight infection by removing bacteria, viruses and other germs.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is chronic swelling (edema) caused by a buildup of fluid (lymph). It is a lifelong condition that happens when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged and cannot function as normal. We can’t predict who’s going to develop Lymphedema. Your body may heal well after treatment and be able to manage the lymph flow in the damaged area, or the extent of damage to your lymphatic system may combine with other risk factors and trigger Lymphedema- during treatment or many years later.
Primary Lymphedema is a chronic condition that is congenital or inherited, that usually progresses if left untreated. It is based on damage or maldevelopment of the lymphatic drainage system. Primary lymphedema can develop at any age, but it usually begins during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood.
Secondary Lymphedema can occur when a person’s lymphatic system is damaged by surgery or radiation therapy. People who are treated for cancer have a lifelong risk for Lymphedema if they have lymph nodes or vessels removed, or damaged during treatment.
Primary lymphedema develops in the part of the body with the damaged lymphatic system, and lymphedema due to “secondary” causes such as cancer treatment often develops in the part of the body where the lymphatic system is faulty or damaged. Primary lymphedema is very rare, and Secondary lymphedema is much more common.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphedema?
The early signs and symptoms include:
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Swelling that can be sudden, gradual or occasional
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Clothing, shoes or rings/watch may feel tighter
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Feelings of heaviness, tightness, fullness or heat in the affected area
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Aches, shooting pain or pins and needles in the affected area
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Skin may feel tight or stretched, and sometimes its texture feels thicker
How is Lymphedema Treated?
The best treatment is de-congestive lymphatic therapy from a certified Lymphedema therapist:
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Compression therapy to reduce and contain swelling
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Lymphatic drainage to improve lymph flow, direct fluid to other drainage pathways, and unblock or soften hard tissue
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Skin care education on how to avoid infection
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Exercises to promote lymphatic function and flow
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat, primarily in the lower body, such as the thighs, hips, and legs, and occasionally in the arms. This disorder predominantly affects women and is often triggered or worsened by hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Unlike general obesity, lipedema fat distribution is symmetrical and typically spares the hands and feet, creating a distinctive appearance. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, and easy bruising in the affected areas. Over time, the condition can lead to impaired mobility and emotional distress due to its physical and psychological impact.
What is the Cause of Lipedema?
The exact cause of lipedema is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and systemic factors. The condition predominantly affects women, suggesting a strong link to hormonal changes such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, which often trigger or worsen symptoms. A genetic predisposition is also evident, as lipedema often runs in families. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as inflammation, may contribute to symptom severity, but they are not considered primary causes.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lipedema?
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Symmetrical fat accumulation: Excess fat in the lower body (hips, thighs, legs)
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Pain and tenderness: Affected areas are often painful to touch.
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Easy bruising: Skin in the affected areas bruises easily without significant trauma.
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Swelling: Persistent swelling that does not resolve with rest.
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Skin texture changes: Skin may feel soft, doughy, or uneven.
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Resistant fat: Fat that does not reduce with diet, exercise, or weight loss.
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Mobility issues: Advanced stages may cause difficulty walking or moving.
How is Lipedema Treated?
The best treatment is de-congestive lymphatic therapy from a certified Lymphedema therapist, very similar to how we treat Lymphedema:
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Compression therapy to reduce and contain swelling
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Lymphatic drainage to improve lymph flow, direct fluid to other drainage pathways, and unblock or soften hard tissue
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Skin care education on how to avoid infection
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Exercises to promote lymphatic function and flow
FAQs
Lymphedema and lipedema are distinct conditions often confused due to swelling. Lymphedema results from lymphatic dysfunction, causing fluid buildup and swelling, often in one or both limbs. Lipedema, a chronic fat disorder, involves symmetrical fat accumulation in the lower body, sparing the feet, and is often painful. While lymphedema stems from lymphatic issues, lipedema is linked to hormonal changes.
A diagnosis of lymphedema or lipedema typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and assessment of symptoms. For lymphedema, doctors may use imaging tests like lymphoscintigraphy or ultrasound to evaluate lymphatic function. For lipedema, diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on characteristic fat distribution, symmetry, and pain, as imaging does not detect fat abnormalities. In both cases, ruling out other conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Yes, lymphatic massage is safe when done by trained practitioners. However, it may not be recommended for those with certain heart or kidney conditions, acute infections or active cancers. Check with your healthcare provider.
Coverage depends on your insurance provider and policy. Some insurance plans may cover it under physiotherapy or rehabilitation services if prescribed for a medical condition, so check with your insurer.
