Lipoedema: What is it and what can you do about it?

Herzog Medical
May 26, 2025

Lipoedema is a chronic condition in which there is an abnormal distribution of fat, usually in the legs and sometimes also in the arms. It is often accompanied by pain, a heavy feeling in the limbs and an increased sensitivity to bruising. Lipoedema mainly affects women and is often confused with obesity or lymphoedema, while it is really a different condition.

Characteristics of lipoedema
• Symmetrical fat deposits, usually around hips, thighs, knees and ankles
• Painful legs, especially with pressure or exertion
• Rapid fatigue when standing or walking
• Small bruises with no apparent cause
• Fluid retention is possible, but not always present
The cause of lipoedema is not yet fully understood, but hormonal factors appear to play a role, as it often develops or worsens during puberty, pregnancy or menopause.

Treatment and support
Unfortunately, there is no cure for lipedema, but the symptoms can be significantly reduced. Treatment options include:
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
• Liposuction for serious complaints
• Compression therapy

Compression for lipoedema: how does it work?
Compression helps to relieve the symptoms of lipedema by applying pressure to the legs. This stimulates the drainage of fluid, reduces swelling and supports blood circulation. As a result, the legs often feel less heavy and the pain decreases.

Herzog PRO Compression Socks: Support for every step
For women with lipoedema who want to stay active, Herzog PRO Compression Stockings can offer a solution. These stockings originally come from the medical world and have been further developed for athletes. This makes them suitable for medical conditions such as lipoedema. They are distinguished by:
•High pressure (pressure class 2)which effectively stimulates circulation
•Anatomical fitbased on 6 measuring points, so that they fit well without pinching
•Medical quality mark (MDR)which shows that all statements made about the stockings are scientifically and medically proven

Many users experience immediate relief when wearing the stockings during daily activities or sports. The stockings not only help against the heavy and painful feeling, but also support a more active lifestyle, something that is extremely important for lipoedema.