Lymphedema, Leg Swelling, and other Edemas

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. Chronic or severe edema can have many causes including underlying disease, injuries, or recent surgeries, and eventually lead to further complications including pain, skin changes, infections, and ulcerations. Medical management may be needed to help reduce symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.

Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid in the fatty tissues beneath the skin, most frequently occurring in the legs and arms. Lymphedema is associated with abnormal swelling and discomfort, and eventually skin ulcerations, and infections in some cases.

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by a symmetric build-up of adipose (fat) tissue in the legs and arms which may cause pain, swelling, or easy bruising, and may be accompanied by an unusual skin texture.  Lipedema is not obesity, and often starts or worsens during puberty and other periods of hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and menopause.