The lipoedema
A disproportional distribution of fatty tissue
A lipoedema is a chronic, unnatural proliferation of fatty tissue under the skin. It causes swelling and uncontrolled deformation of the parts of the body affected, generally the arms and legs.
In particular during the initial phase, it is difficult to recognise the ailment and to distinguish it from obesity (severe excess weight). Therefore, it is often only diagnosed late.
Lipoedema are not curable, a diet and sports activity alone cannot break down the lipoedema fat.
However, special therapy can keep the symptoms well under control.
Stage 1
- The skin surface is smooth
- The fatty tissue in the subcutaneous tissue is uniform and visibly finely nodular
Stage 2
- The skin surface is uneven and wavelike
- The fat structure appears to be coarsely nodular
Stage 3
- The tissue is extensively deformed, the skin surface has dents
- The scope has increased considerably with overhanging skin flaps
Who is affected ?
The lipoedema occurs almost exclusively in women
Their figure and body weight play no role for the ailment.
The cause of the fat maldistribution has not yet been fully clarified. A genetic predisposition can be recognised in several cases.
As lipoedema occur increasingly during phases of hormonal change such as puberty or pregnancy, it is assumed that the hormone balance may be a possible trigger.
What are the symptoms ?
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Visible, symmetrical deformation of parts of the body due to fat deposits
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A lipoedema can occur on both sides of the arms and/or legs
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The feet, hands and torso are generally not affected
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Heavy, pressure-sensitive legs
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A feeling of tension and pain on touch
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Increased inclination to haematoma (“bruising”)
A lipoedema develops slowly and in several stages. The further it progresses, the more intensely the consequences become visible and palpable for the persons affected. In addition to pain, above-all the disproportional interrelationship of the individual parts of the body can influence the quality of living.
Compression therapy for treating lipoedema
Wearing medical compression stockings is a component of Complex Physical Decongestion Therapy, which is used as a proven treatment method for oedema ailments. It consists of five modules which are applied in two stages.
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Stage 1: Decongestion
Bandaging, manual lymph drainage, activity, skin care
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Stage 2: Conservation
Medical compression stockings, manual lymph drainage, activity, skin care
During manual lymph drainage, the tissue is decongested with a special massage, i.e. the flow of the lymphatic fluid is activated. This enables the regression of the lymph oedema. As opposed to this, mobilisation of the tissue is of primary importance in case of lipoedema.
Medical compression stockings, which can considerably reduce or even hinder renewed fluid accumulation in the tissue during the maintenance stage are a further important therapeutic component. When worn, interplay between the muscles, skin and pressure exerted by the knitted fabric takes place.
BORT AktiVen® Intense
Medical compression stockings
A large number of individual versions for leg, hand and toe care excel with their top manufacturing quality. Available in different versions as well as standard and trend colours, they are an attractive and medically effective accompaniment for oedema therapy.
DAILY WEARING FOR RELIEF YOU CAN FEEL
In order to generate the best possible therapeutic success, medical compression stockings should be put on daily after getting up and be worn until the evening during the maintenance stage.
The stockings are adapted individually to the legs, arms or hands and are therefore very comfortable to wear.
