The lymphatic system is an essential part of the body's circulatory system. The cardiovascular system transports blood via veins, arteries, and capillaries while the lymphatic system collects and circulates excess fluid in the body. The Lymphatic system is responsible for "draining" lymph (excess fluid containing proteins, fats, and metabolic waste), from cells and tissues and returning it to the bloodstream via the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.

Lymphedema is a type of lymphatic drainage disorder. When the lymphatic system cannot properly function, it leads to a build-up of excess fluid in the tissues, resulting in swelling, most commonly in the legs and feet. The swelling can be uncomfortable and painful and make it difficult to manage daily activities.

If left untreated, lymphedema will progress and can become more severe over time. In the later stages of Lymphedema, the tissue can harden, the skin tightens, and those affected can become severely restricted in their mobility.

Lymphedema can occur anywhere in the body. However, it most often appears in the legs, feet, and arms. Since the onset of the disease can be gradual, you should keep an eye on your body and watch for changes.

Possible signs of lymphedema include:

• Your legs, feet, arms, or other affected areas, feels heavier than usual
• Gradual swelling of affected areas
• The skin in the affected areas feels tight and sometimes tingly
• The skin in the affected area can appear thick and leathery
• Heavy indentations are left from clothing or accessories
• Itchy or burning sensations
• Decreased flexibility and mobility

There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary.

Primary lymphedema is a congenital lymphatic drainage disorder. Genetic factors result in the lymphatic system not developing properly or not functioning correctly. Altered lymph nodes can also be the cause. Primary lymphedema can occur bi-laterally and typically affects the legs. Women are more commonly affected - often showing symptoms at a young age.

Secondary lymphedema often occurs later in life and is not congenital. This type of lymphedema is caused when the lymphatic system becomes damaged by an external factor. The most common causes of secondary lymphedema include; cancer (most commonly breast cancer) and the associated procedures - such as the removal of lymph nodes - or radiation. Trauma, injuries, infections, and parasites are all common factors that can also damage the lymphatic system and lead to secondary lymphedema.

In addition, advanced-stage lipedema can result in the weakening of the lymphatic vessels. Lipedema patients can later develop an additional lymphatic drainage disorder. In this case, it is referred to as "lipedema with secondary lymphedema".

Lipoedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that typically manifests on the legs, buttocks, and in some cases arms. Lipoedema affects both sides of the body equally and occurs almost exclusively in women.

Lipoedema, especially in the early stages, can be misinterpreted as lymphedema or obesity. Lipoedema is indicated by the build-up of painful fatty tissue, which is not present in overweight people. Therefore, lipoedema is also called lipohyperplasia dolorosa: increased, painful fatty tissue.

The typical symptoms of lipoedema are a large lower half and column-like legs, which are often tender and can bruise easily. It is typical to experience a larger difference in size between the upper and lower halves of the body.

Unlike Lymphedema, Lipoedema affects both sides of the body equally.

Other possible signs of lipoedema include:

• Fat build-up in buttocks, thighs, calves, and in some cases the arms.
• Exercise, elevating your legs, and support stockings do not help to reduce the fat/edema in the affected areas.
• There is typically no swelling in feet or hands.
• Pain, discomfort, or heaviness in the affected areas
• Affected areas can bruise easily
• Skin can appear dimpled like orange-peel
• Difficulty walking/reduced mobility
• Skin can appear dimpled like orange-peel

Lipedema almost exclusively occurs in women. The onset of lipoedema symptoms is often associated with weight gain that is connected to hormonal changes - such as puberty, pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and menopause.

The causes of lipoedema are still not yet fully known. However, as the condition occurs almost exclusively in women, and symptoms usually present or worsen at the time of puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, there is likely a connection to hormones.

In addition, genetic predisposition can play a role in the tendency to develop lipoedema.