Lipoedema: Do Compression Garments Increase Body Temperature?
- Jeanine Mewburn
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Lipoedema is a complex condition that primarily affects women and can be challenging to manage, depending on the individual. Conservative treatments such as regular exercise and the use of compression garments have been shown to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life (Sanchez-Jimenez et al., 2023).
People living with lipoedema often present with larger, irregularly shaped thighs and, in many cases, a distinctive “cuff” of swelling around the ankles and wrists. These anatomical changes make off-the-shelf compression garments not only less effective but sometimes unsafe. For advanced lipoedema, custom-made, thicker, flat-knitted garments are usually required to accommodate these changes safely and effectively.
Interestingly, research has examined whether wearing compression garments increases skin temperature during exercise. The findings suggest otherwise: no significant changes were observed in fatty tissue temperature, and in fact, lower skin temperatures were recorded in the hamstrings and behind the knees in follow-up testing. This effect may be explained by vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels), sweating, or both. Moreover, flat-knit compression garments actually reduced skin temperature in the lower legs, directly contradicting the assumption that they increase body heat. The study concluded that skin temperature in women with lipoedema is not affected by wearing compression garments (Sanchez-Jimenez et al., 2023). Therefore, compression tights can safely be worn, especially during exercise.
Another study noted that compression appears less effective on the thighs compared to the lower legs. This difference may be due to the thighs’ unique fat distribution, larger volume, and distinct lymphatic drainage dynamics (Elwell & Rich). While compression benefits all affected areas by managing oedema and inflammation, class 2 flat-knit garments are recommended, often in combination with pneumatic compression pumps, to target the more resistant fat lobules in the thighs.
Other Benefits of Wearing Class 2 Flat-Knit Compression Garments
Reduction of excess fluid in the tissue
Relief of pain and discomfort
Improved circulation and tissue health
Slowing or prevention of disease progression
Improved contour and shape of affected limbs
Enhanced mobility
Essential post-treatment support (e.g., after liposuction combined with manual lymphatic drainage) to maintain results and prevent tissue congestion and swelling
If you would like more information on lymphatic drainage massage, pneumatic compression pumps, compression garment fitting, or other treatment options, our clinic provides a complete, one-stop solution.
“Life has no limitations, except the ones we create.”
References
Czerwinska, M., Gruszecki, M., Ruminski, J., & Handsdorfer-Korzon, R. (n.d.). Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Compression Therapy Combined with Exercises Versus Exercises Only Among Lipedema Patients Using Various Outcome Measures. PMC PubMed Central. doi:10.3390/life1411134
Elwell, R., & Rich, A. (n.d.). Use of upper-limb compression garments in the management of lipoedema. British Journal of Community Nursing, 25. doi:https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.Sup10.S26
Sanchez-Jimenez, J., Priego-Quesada, J., Gisbert-Ruiz, M., Cibrian-Ortiz de Anda, R., Perez-Soriano, P., & Aparico, I. (2023, January 14). Effect of Compression Tights on Skin Temperature in Women. Applied Sciences MDPI. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/
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