Edit Lipoedema is commonly misdiagnosed as lymphoedema

<h2>2. Lipoedema is commonly misdiagnosed as lymphoedema</h2> <div>Lymphoedema is a condition that causes uncomfortable swelling of limbs, and a condition that lipoedema sufferers are commonly misdiagnosed with. It is possible to have both conditions; however, it’s crucial to get an accurate diagnosis as lymphoedema treatments won’t help with lipoedema symptoms.</div> <div> </div> <div><em><strong>So, what is lipoedema?</strong></em> It's a loose connective tissue disorder that is widely under-recognised and misdiagnosed. Both conditions cause swelling of the legs; however, lymphoedema can also cause swelling of the fingers, feet and toes (whereas lipoedema patients often have disproportionately skinny feet). If you press a finger into an area of lymphoedema, it will usually dent - this doesn’t happen with lipoedema.</div> <div> </div> <h2>3. It is shockingly common in females</h2> <div>Unlike lymphoedema, which affects both males and females, lipoedema is almost exclusively a female condition. In fact,<a href="https://www.intechopen.com/books/adipose-tissue-an-update/lipedema-a-painful-adipose-tissue-disorder" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener"> recent research</a> has found that 10% of all females (of European descent as well as other populations) are affected by it. Yet, only recently been widely recognised by doctors as a distinct condition.</div> <div> </div> <h2>4. Lipoedema affects normal-weight individuals, too</h2> <div>People usually associate <a title="fat" href="https://www.consultingroom.com/conditions/fat-reduction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fat</a> with being overweight, and although lipoedema can be worsened by carrying excess weight, many sufferers are within a normal weight range.</div> <div> </div> <div>For many of these women, it can feel like they have two bodies. Their upper body, chest and abdomen are slim, but their lower half is out of proportion, making it difficult to find clothes that fit.</div> <div> </div> <h2>5. Diet & exercise won’t get rid of it</h2> <div>Lipoedema sufferers know how disheartening it is to hear their doctor recommend diet and exercise. Lipoedema is not typical weight gain and won’t go away with diet and exercise. Healthy lifestyle changes can help ease discomfort, but they will not get rid of the fat cells.</div> <div> </div> <h2>6. It causes chronic pain & bruising</h2> <div>Classic symptoms are not only thick legs and irreversible weight gain, but sufferers also have to deal with constant leg pain and easy bruising in the affected areas. The pain can become chronic and severe, which is why it’s especially important to receive an accurate diagnosis and recommended treatment beyond diet and exercise.</div>

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