Swollen legs and arms are not only quite unpleasant, but for many also a mental burden.
Causes for it?
Possibly lymphedema or lipedema!
There are, of course, other causes of swelling.
But what is the difference between these two forms of edema?
The trigger for lymphedema is that lymph fluid builds up in the tissue. Secondary lymphedema is the most common. This can occur after surgery or radiation therapy, for example. Primary lymphedema, which is caused by a congenital maldevelopment of the lymphatic system, is less common.
Lymphedema usually occurs on one side. That is, at the site where the lymphatic system is damaged. It often spreads from there to the arms or legs.
Patients do not usually experience pain. However, an unpleasant feeling of tension in the affected area is often reported.
Lymphedema is often treated with a combination of manual lymphatic drainage, compression, exercise therapy and skin care.
In lipedema, the cause is a pathological fat distribution disorder, the cause of which has not yet been clarified.
This fat distribution disorder occurs symmetrically and predominantly on the hips, buttocks and legs. Often also on the arms. Feet and hands are not affected by lipedema.
A strong pressure pain may develop, which is accompanied by feelings of tension. Lipedema mainly affects women.
If edema also develops in the hands and/or feet, this is lipo-lymphedema.
One way of treating lipedema or lipo-lymphedema is Complex Physical Decongestive Therapy (CPD), consisting of manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercise therapy, skin care and education & training for individual self-therapy.
Additional information about lipedema can be found here:
