Lipedema vs. Lymphedema: Understanding the Difference

Lipedema and lymphedema can both cause changes in the size, shape and comfort of the arms or legs, which can make the two conditions easy to confuse. However, lipedema and lymphedema are different medical conditions, with different underlying causes, symptoms and treatment considerations.

They can also occur together, making an accurate medical diagnosis especially important.

At Just Like A Woman in Portland, Oregon, our nationally certified compression fitters work with people who have been prescribed compression garments for lymphedema, lipedema and other medically evaluated conditions. We do not diagnose the cause of swelling. Instead, we help translate your healthcare provider’s recommendations into a compression garment that fits your body, prescription and daily routine.

What Is Lipedema?

Lipedema is a chronic condition involving abnormal changes in loose connective and adipose tissue. It primarily affects women and most often involves the hips, buttocks and legs. The arms can also be affected.

Lipedema generally develops symmetrically, meaning both sides of the body are affected in a similar way. The hands and feet are typically spared, which can be one clue healthcare providers consider when distinguishing lipedema from other conditions.

Lipedema is not simply obesity. Lipedema tissue can be resistant to reduction through diet, exercise or weight loss alone, although nutrition, physical activity and overall health can still be important parts of an individualized care plan.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lipedema

Lipedema can look and feel different from one person to another. Possible signs include:

• Disproportionate enlargement of the hips, thighs or legs
• Similar changes on both sides of the body
• Tenderness or pain in affected tissue
• A feeling of heaviness
• Easy bruising
• Nodular or uneven tissue beneath the skin
• Swelling that may increase during the day
• Reduced mobility as the condition progresses
• Involvement of the upper arms in some people

Because several medical conditions can cause swelling or changes in body shape, lipedema should be evaluated and diagnosed by a qualified healthcare professional.

What Is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid builds up in tissue because the lymphatic system is unable to move fluid effectively.

It may affect an arm, leg or another area of the body. Unlike lipedema, lymphedema can affect one side or both sides, depending on the underlying cause.

There are two broad categories of lymphedema.

Primary lymphedema results from differences in how the lymphatic system develops or functions. Symptoms can appear at different stages of life.

Secondary lymphedema develops after the lymphatic system has been damaged or disrupted. Causes can include cancer treatment, lymph node surgery, radiation treatment, infection, trauma or other medical conditions.

Symptoms of lymphedema may include:

• Visible swelling
• Heaviness or fullness
• Tightness of the skin
• Changes in how clothing, shoes or jewelry fit
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion
• Discomfort in the affected area

New, sudden, painful or unexplained swelling should always be evaluated by a medical provider before beginning compression.

Lipedema vs. Lymphedema: What Is the Difference?

Although the conditions can sometimes look similar, there are several characteristics healthcare providers may consider when evaluating lipedema versus lymphedema.

The Underlying Cause

Lipedema is a disorder involving loose connective and adipose tissue. Its exact cause is still being studied, although hormonal changes and genetic factors may play a role.

Lymphedema involves impaired movement of lymph fluid caused by abnormalities, damage or obstruction within the lymphatic system.

How the Body Is Affected

Lipedema usually develops symmetrically. For example, both legs are commonly affected in a similar pattern.

Lymphedema may affect one or both sides of the body and can be localized to a particular limb or region.

Hands and Feet

Lipedema typically spares the hands and feet.

Lymphedema can extend into the hands or feet, although its presentation varies depending on the individual and underlying cause.

Pain and Tenderness

Lipedema tissue can be tender or painful to pressure, and easy bruising is common.

Lymphedema may cause sensations of heaviness, tightness, fullness or discomfort associated with swelling.

These differences can help guide a medical evaluation, but they should not be used to self diagnose either condition.

Can You Have Both Lipedema and Lymphedema?

Yes. Lipedema and lymphedema can occur together.

As lipedema progresses, lymphatic dysfunction may develop in some individuals. This combination is sometimes referred to as lipolymphedema.

This is one reason professional medical evaluation is important. Swelling that appears to be caused by one condition may involve multiple factors, and the appropriate treatment plan depends on an accurate diagnosis.

How Is Lipedema Managed?

There is currently no single treatment that eliminates lipedema for every patient. Management is individualized and may focus on reducing symptoms, supporting mobility and improving quality of life.

A healthcare provider may recommend a combination of approaches based on the person’s symptoms and stage of disease. These may include:

• Medical compression garments
• Physical activity and exercise appropriate for the individual
• Manual therapies when recommended
• Skin care
• Nutrition and general health support
• Pneumatic compression in some cases
• Surgical treatment for appropriately selected patients

Compression can be an important part of conservative lipedema management, particularly for people experiencing swelling, discomfort or additional lymphatic involvement. However, compression does not remove lipedema tissue itself.

Compression Garments for Lipedema

Finding an appropriate compression garment for lipedema often requires more than choosing a standard size.

Body proportions associated with lipedema may not fit easily into traditional ready to wear sizing. Some people may benefit from custom garments made from detailed individual measurements.

Depending on your prescription and needs, compression options may include:

• Knee high or thigh high garments
• Compression leggings
• Capri length garments
• Pantyhose styles
• Arm compression
• Custom compression garments
• Adjustable compression options

The appropriate garment and compression level should be determined in partnership with your healthcare provider or therapist.

At Just Like A Woman, our role is to take detailed measurements and help identify a garment that meets your prescription while accounting for your body shape, mobility, skin sensitivity, daily activities and ability to put the garment on and take it off.

Why Professional Compression Fitting Matters

Whether compression has been prescribed for lipedema, lymphedema or another medical condition, fit matters.

Compression garments are designed to provide controlled pressure. A garment that is too loose, too tight, too short or poorly matched to your proportions may not provide the fit your treatment plan requires.

During a professional compression fitting at Just Like A Woman, our nationally certified compression fitters consider factors including:

• Your prescription
• Your individual measurements
• Body shape and proportions
• The location and pattern of swelling
• Skin sensitivity
• Mobility and dexterity
• Your daily routine
• Previous problems with garments rolling, slipping or binding

Ready to wear compression may work well when your measurements fit within a manufacturer’s sizing system. When standard sizing does not accommodate your body appropriately, a custom compression garment may offer another option.

Custom Compression Garments in Portland

Just Like A Woman specializes in measuring and fitting custom compression garments in Portland.

A custom garment may be considered when standard sizes do not fit correctly, when body or limb shape requires additional accommodation, or when a prescribed garment repeatedly rolls, slips or binds.

Depending on the manufacturer and prescription, custom compression garments may be available for the legs, feet, arms, hands, torso and other areas.

Your body should not have to conform to a limited range of standard sizes. The goal is to find a compression solution selected for your body and your everyday needs.

Find Lipedema and Lymphedema Compression Support in Portland

If you have been diagnosed with lipedema or lymphedema and your healthcare provider has recommended medical compression, Just Like A Woman can help you navigate your garment options.

Our nationally certified compression fitters provide private, personalized compression garment fittings in Portland, Oregon, with ready to wear and custom options available.

Appointments are required for medical compression fittings so that we can reserve enough time for accurate measurements, product selection and garment education.

Just Like A Woman
6333 S Macadam Ave, Suite 102
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503-246-7000

Contact Just Like A Woman to schedule a personalized compression fitting and learn more about ready to wear and custom compression garments for lipedema and lymphedema in Portland.