Lipedema

Lipedema is characterized by chronic, progressive and symmetrical fat accumulation primarily in the lower half of the body with orthostatic edema, tenderness and hypersensitivity to pressure (bruises easily).

Swelling presents in both legs and can extend from the hips to the ankles, caused by deposits of subcutaneous fatty tissue.

The individual with this condition may just appear to have larger hips or legs.  

People with lipedema may be accused of simply being overweight, which is absolutely not the case.

Usually hereditary in nature and the vast majority affected are women.

The disease usually starts towards the end of puberty or during pregnancy.

Primarily the lower extremities are affected; however, it can occur in combination with the upper extremities.

Treatment

Compression garments
Combined Decongestive Therapy
Maintaining a healthy weight with exercise

Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy, Horst Weissleder and Christian Schuchhardt, 4th edition, 2008

The following resource may also be of help to you:

http://www.lipomadoc.org/lipedema.html