What is lymphedema? | Medical Vein Clinic

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is the abnormal accumulation of protein rich fluid in a limb. Untreated veindisease is the leading cause of lower leg lymphedema. Unfortunately, the longer untreated vein disease persists, the worse lymphedema becomes. Often times, the damage to the lymphatic system can be irreversible leading to life long swelling. Proper evaluation and treatment is crucial to long-term lymphedema management.

lymphatic

Signs:

  • Swelling in feet, ankles, and toes

  • Swelling in your legs at the end of the day

  • Thickening or drying of the skin

  • Feelings of heaviness or difficulty walking

  • Cellulitis or lower leg wounds

Risk Factors:

  • Hereditary

  • Obesity

  • Undiagnosed Vein Disease

  • Surgery

  • Total knee or hip replacements

  • Cancer Treatment

What is Lipedema?

Lipedema is an inherited loose connective tissue disorder. It happens in roughly 10% of the female population with varying degrees of severity. It causes the adipose (fat) tissue from the ankle to the hips to become larger and abnormally shaped, resulting in larger appearing legs above the ankles. Lipedema also causes the veins and lymphatics to ‘stretch’ easier, causing vein disease and chronic lymphedema. If caught early, lipedema can be successfully managed.

Signs:

  • Puffy, fatty tissue from ankle to hips

  • Normal looking feet

  • Sensitivity to touch and pressure

  • Flexible joints

  • Feelings of heaviness or difficulty walking

  • Inability to lose weight in legs, even after diet and exercise

  • “Cankles” or loss of normal boney contours

Risk Factors:

  • Female

  • Genetics/ Family History

At Medical Vein Clinic, Your Legs Are in Good Hands

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