Compression Improved leg size and symptoms of Lipedema in women.
Abstract
Objective:
Do short-term use of pneumatic compression devices (PCD), and off-the-shelf compression alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life in women with lipedema and secondary lipo lymphedema?
Methods:
A prospective, randomized, controlled, industry-sponsored, proof-in-principle study comparing PCD plus conservative care (PCD+CC) to CC alone (control). Adult females with bilateral lipedema and secondary lymphedema were randomized to PCD+CC or CC. Outcome measures were lower limb and truncal circumferential measurements, bioimpedance, quality-of-life, symptom, and pain intensity questionnaires.
Results:
Both groups experienced improvements in leg circumference and bioimpedance, with more improvement in the PCD+CC group than the CC group. Pain scores of the SF-36 survey and numerical rating scales were improved in the PCD+CC group. Wong-Baker Faces scores showed trends toward improvement in both groups.
Conclusions:
This proof-in-principle study supports conservative management with graduated compression and with or without PCD for improvement in leg circumference, bioimpedance measurements, and pain in patients with lipedema.
Read the full paper here.
