Survey of lipoedema symptoms and experience with compression garments

Abstract

Lipoedema is an incurable chronic disease causing limb deformity, painful skin and excessive ecchymosis. Compression garments are frequently recommended to manage symptoms, but the existing products are not designed specifically for lipoedema, and are for other medical conditions. A structured questionnaire was prepared in Online Surveys in October 2018 to investigate lipoedema symptoms and the use of compression garments to manage them. Some 279 people with lipoedema completed the survey; 70% wore compression garments in all four compression classes, of which class 2 was most common (58% of wearers). The top three reasons for wearing compression garments were to feel supported (73%), reduce lipoedema pain (67%) and improve mobility (54%). Most people with lipoedema who wore compression garments found compression helpful in managing their symptoms, but overall satisfaction was low. Problems with existing compression garments were so severe in some cases that the garments were not worn at all or used less often. The information collected in this survey might be useful for the design and development of compression garments specifically for lipoedema.