Lipedema is a chronic condition that causes an abnormal buildup of fat cells in the legs, thighs, and buttocks. This buildup of fat leads to disproportionate enlargement of these areas of the body compared to the rest of the body. Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in women and is thought to be caused by hormonal changes. The enlarged fatty tissue is tender, painful, and prone to bruising. There is no cure for lipedema, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent progression of the condition. One treatment that is commonly recommended for lipedema is compression therapy. But do compression leggings actually help relieve symptoms and prevent progression of lipedema?
What are compression leggings?
Compression leggings are tight-fitting leggings designed to apply gentle pressure to the legs. Compression leggings for lipedema are graded, meaning the pressure is greatest at the ankles and gradually decreases up the leg. The compression works to:
- Improve circulation and lymph drainage
- Reduce swelling and fluid retention
- Provide support to enlarged fatty tissue
- Relieve aching, pain, and heaviness
Compression leggings for lipedema are worn throughout the day and replaced every 3-6 months as they lose elasticity. They come in different compression strengths, measured in mmHg. Light compression is considered 8-15 mmHg, moderate 15-20 mmHg, and firm 20-30 mmHg. Lipedema experts usually recommend moderate compression.
How do compression leggings help lipedema?
There are several ways properly fitted compression leggings can help relieve lipedema:
Improve lymph drainage
One of the main problems in lipedema is accumulation of fluid and swelling due to poor drainage by the lymphatic system. The lymph system becomes overloaded with fat and fluid, causing congestion. Compression leggings help pump and move lymph fluid through the legs and improve overall drainage. This reduces painful swelling.
Support enlarged fatty tissue
The enlarged fatty tissue in lipedema is structurally weak. The weight and pressure of this tissue strains blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels. Compression leggings provide support to the tissue, taking pressure off the strained structures underneath. This reduces pain and aching.
Reduce bruising
The fatty tissue in lipedema is fragile and prone to bruising with minor bumps or knocks. Compression leggings add a protective layer and gently hold the tissue in place to prevent bruising from everyday activities. Less bruising reduces tenderness.
Improve circulation
The compression leggings improve circulation in the legs by increasing blood flow in the veins. The gentle pressure helps push blood through the veins back to the heart. Improved circulation reduces heaviness and discomfort.
Provide comfort and relief
For many women with lipedema, compression leggings provide comfort by creating a soothing, massaging sensation. The compression can temporarily reduce the appearance of disproportion in the shape of the legs, boosting confidence. The support and relief of compression leggings enables women to be more active and participate in exercise.
Research on compression leggings for lipedema
There are few high-quality studies specifically looking at compression leggings for lipedema. However, there is research on compression therapy for other types of lymphedema and chronic swelling that sheds light on how it might help lipedema:
Short-term studies
– A 2012 study found compression bandaging over 5 days significantly reduced swelling and tenderness compared to no compression in lipedema patients.
– A 2016 study observed compression bandaging for 3 weeks improved pain, bruising, and quality of life in lipedema patients.
Longer-term studies
– A 2015 study had lipedema patients wear compression garments daily for 6 months. Leg volume decreased by 7% on average and aching pain was reduced.
– A 2020 study followed lipedema patients wearing compression for 12 months. Compression led to a significant improvement in pain, bruising, swelling, and quality of life.
While limited, these studies suggest compression leggings may provide both short-term symptom relief and long-term benefits in lipedema patients. More high-quality research is still needed.
Guidelines for compression leggings in lipedema
If considering compression leggings for lipedema, there are some important guidelines to follow:
Get a prescription from your doctor
Prescription-strength compression leggings provide the right amount of graduated compression tailored for lipedema. Over-the-counter leggings do not offer medical-grade compression.
Have leg measurements taken
Properly fitted compression garments are crucial. See a therapist or specialist who can carefully measure your legs and determine the appropriate compression strength. Ill-fitting leggings can aggravate lipedema symptoms.
Try medical-grade brands
High quality brands like Juzo, Jobst, Sigvaris, and Medi offer compression leggings designed specifically for lipedema and lymphedema patients. Lesser quality leggings may not last or provide enough compression.
Start slowly and increase duration
It takes time to get used to wearing compression. Start by wearing the leggings for just 1-2 hours at a time and slowly increase up to all day use. Stop immediately if leggings feel too tight or uncomfortable.
Monitor for skin issues
Check for signs of skin irritation, blisters, or wounds where leggings compress the skin. Loosen leggings if any skin trouble develops. Poorly fitting compression can damage skin.
Replace leggings every 3-6 months
Compression leggings lose elasticity and effectiveness over time. Old, stretched out leggings do not provide enough compression to help lipedema. Replace as directed by your doctor.
Avoid in pregnancy and cellulitis
Compression leggings are not recommended during pregnancy or if you have cellulitis or other active infection in the legs. Compression could worsen certain medical conditions.
Conclusion
Compression leggings appear to be beneficial for many women with lipedema based on expert clinical experience and initial research studies. Compression therapy helps address several problems in lipedema, including fluid retention, poor circulation, tissue fragility, and pain. Graduated compression leggings likely improve lymph drainage, support enlarged tissue, reduce pain and bruising, and provide comfort. However, compression leggings are not helpful for all lipedema patients. They should be carefully fitted to each individual and worn safely under medical guidance. More research is still needed to determine the optimal compression strength, duration of use, and long-term effects on halting lipedema progression. But when used appropriately, compression leggings can be an effective conservative treatment option for managing the symptoms of lipedema.