What it is
The fat does not usually go away with diet and exercise, and it is often mistaken for obesity or lymphoedema.
Compression garments, exercise, a healthy diet and sometimes liposuction can help.
Common signs
- Both legs larger than the rest of the body
- Legs that feel soft, cold and heavy
- Pain or aching
- Bruising easily
- Feet not affected
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination and questions about symptoms
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Specialist letters
- Compression garment prescriptions
- Measurements over time
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is this lipoedema or lymphoedema?
- Would compression help?
- What support is available?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A leg that suddenly becomes red, hot, swollen and painful, with fever: get urgent medical help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.