Lym­phoede­ma and li­po­ede­ma

In lymphoedema, painless swelling that is usually more pronounced in the periphery. Depending on the stage, pressure on the tissue leaves small depressions. With increasing duration, the tissue in the area of the oedema hardens considerably. If left untreated for a longer period of time, lymphatic fluid can leak through the skin and, in the case of an infection in this area, can lead to pronounced inflammation.

Lipoedema usually occurs on both sides, although the hands and feet are not affected. Those affected feel pain when pressure and / or touch is applied and are prone to bruising in the affected body area.

In both clinical pictures, there is a feeling of heaviness and, as the swelling increases, movement restrictions of the affected extremities occur, and activities of daily living can sometimes be considerably restricted.

Lymphoedema is caused by an insufficiency of the lymphatic system, which is either congenital (primary lymphoedema) or occurs as a result of surgery, tumours, injuries and accidents (secondary lymphoedema). The most common cause of secondary lymphoedema is cancer, in which the lymphatic system is impaired by surgery or tumours compress individual sections of the lymphatic system.

Lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes and weight gain. Lipoedema often occurs in conjunction with obesity.

Medical history, clinical examination

Compression bandages and manual lymphatic drainage in intensive and maintenance phases. The intensive phase aims to reduce the oedema and relax the tissue. The intensive phase ends with the fitting of a compression stocking, which must be worn daily during the maintenance phase. A new, shorter intensive phase is resumed after around 3 months, which in turn leads to a maintenance phase. This process repeats itself with steadily longer maintenance phases.