Are you one of the 11% of women suffering from lipoedema?
What is Lipoedema?
Lipoedema is a chronic condition that affects up to 11% of women, but it is often misdiagnosed or overlooked by healthcare providers. This condition is characterised by the disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs, hips, and buttocks, often causing pain and swelling. Unfortunately, lipoedema is often misdiagnosed, leading to a lack of awareness about the condition and the best ways to manage it.
According to a recent article on ABC News, lipoedema is thought to be caused by hormonal and genetic factors, but the exact mechanisms are not well understood. Diagnosis of lipoedema typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and imaging tests. However, due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition, diagnosis can be delayed, and treatment options may be limited.
Treatment
Compression garments are one of the primary treatment options for lipoedema, according to the ABC News. At Active Truth, we understand how challenging it can be to manage lipoedema, particularly when it comes to finding clothing that fits well and provides adequate support. That's why we developed our Therapy & Recovery range, which includes a variety of compression garments designed to support the unique needs of women with lipoedema and other medical conditions. Our range in sizes 6-26 includes recovery support briefs, bike shorts, and 7/8 length tights, which are all made with high-quality materials that provide excellent compression and support.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for lipoedema, but treatment options include compression garments, exercise, and liposuction. However, according to Dr. Karen Herbst, a researcher and physician specializing in lipoedema (quoted in ABC News), the condition is often misdiagnosed or dismissed as a cosmetic issue. This leads to a lack of awareness and appropriate treatment options for those affected. She emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proper management to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Real life experiences
For years, Lipoedema Australia ambassador, Katie Angwin, didn’t understand why her legs appear and felt so different to the rest of her body. She shared with us her story of discovery. Now this condition has given her renewed energy to bring awareness of it to more Australians.
“I was fortunate to discover I had Lipoedema in its early stages–the earlier it’s discovered, the better the prognosis” Katie explained.
“Symptoms can include bilaterally enlarged legs that look bigger in comparison to the rest of your body. Feet and hands are exempt from the condition, so it can form what they call a bracelet affect. Legs and arms can be painful to touch and can bruise easily” she describes.
Katie explains the ways she deals with her symptoms is with “massage, diet, exercise and wearing Active Truth compression tights!”. Other forms of treatment can be very expensive and not easily accessible.
Where to get help & support
Katie also shared some good advice if anyone thinks they may have the condition. “Go to the Lipoedema Australia website, read the factsheet. If symptoms match, print it out and present it to your GP. Lipoedema Australia will also be able to recommend a specialist in your area”.
“Those with Lipoedema can join a closed Facebook group. It provides helpful support, information about local meet-ups and recommendations” she continued.
Reviews of compression tights from women with Lipoedema
At Active Truth, we believe that every woman deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their clothing. We understand that lipoedema can be a challenging condition to manage, and we're committed to providing our customers with the support they need.
In addition to our dedicated Therapy and Recovery range, many women in our community have provided feedback and reviews praising our entire range of tights for helping to reduce fluid collection, and support vascular function and lymphatic drainage.
"Love My Tights
I have Lipoedema and Lymphoedema and these tights are well made and so supportive with their high waist band and overall compression on my legs."
- Jennifer T
"Amazing product!!
I can’t possibly be happier with my Active Truth - Training Pocket Full Length Tights. They are so comfortable and as a plus sized woman with Lipoedema , it’s great to feel confident and secure."
- Natalie T
"Comfortable and they stay put
The tights stay in place. No rolling down at the waist and no bunching around knees. I bought them because I have Stage 1 lipoedema and I can wear them like anyone else wearing active wear when out and about. Can wear all day with no issues."
- Robyn H
"Couldn’t be happier - pregnant mamma with Lipoedema
I’m in my third trimester of my second pregnancy and being an overweight pregnant woman who suffers with Lipoedema, finding compression stockings that fit me had been impossible until now. Not only do they fit, they are comfortable, supportive and look and feel great. Bonus… they are a reasonable price for the fantastic quality that they are!! I already told/showed all the staff at the OB’s office, who were tirelessly trying to help me find something that would both fit and support me."
- Natalie T
If you're struggling with lipoedema and looking for comfortable, supportive clothing options, we encourage you to try our tights. With their high-quality materials, excellent compression, and comfortable fit, they could be just what you need to manage your condition effectively.
It's essential to get an accurate diagnosis and seek treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. If you have any concerns, then head to lipoedemaaustralia.com.au to find out more information.
We hope that increased awareness and understanding of lipoedema will lead to better outcomes for those affected by this condition.
