Lipedema and Health – everything you need to know
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What is lipedema, and how do you recognize it?
Lipedema is an often overlooked yet severe health condition. It is a chronic and progressive disease that primarily affects women and only occasionally men. It is frequently misclassified as obesity because it causes an abnormal accumulation of fat cells on the buttocks, hips, and legs.
Unlike normal adipose tissue, the fatty tissue in lipedema is very painful and prone to swelling. Symptoms can also appear on the upper limbs but exclude the hands and feet.
Lipedema is generally of genetic origin and influenced by hormones. It is more likely to develop in individuals with direct family members who have lipedema. It primarily occurs during periods of more significant hormonal imbalance, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In severe cases, it can impede daily activities and even lead to immobility. It is a disease that can be physically and mentally exhausting.
Lipedema is a more widespread case than we think. It is essential to recognize its characteristics to ensure proper treatment and improve the quality of life. Thanks to the doctor’s advice, patients can be directed toward the right path for treatment and improved health.
What are the symptoms of lipedema?
The most common symptoms for suspecting the presence of lipedema:
– symmetrical accumulation of fat tissue
– a feeling of heaviness in the affected areas
– creation of “orange” skin
– localized tingling and sensitivity of the affected areas
– localized painful sensation (if pressure is applied on tissues affected by fat accumulation)
– formation of spontaneous bruises and ecchymoses (lower intensity subcutaneous bleeding)
Symptoms can be unpleasant for the patient, with consequences on the quality of life depending on the stage of the disease.
In addition to these symptoms, the accumulation of fat and the resulting inflammation of the limbs can lead to diseases such as knee arthritis, lymph stagnation, and fibrosis of the subcutaneous fat tissue. For this reason, it is always good to have the possibility of an early diagnosis of the disease to react quickly.
How is lipedema diagnosed?
There are no specific diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of lipedema. Because of this, the diagnosis of the disease is complex. However, a team of experts will recognize the symptoms and do an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging to study the fatty tissue.
Diagnosing lipedema can be challenging because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases like obesity and lymphedema.
Lymphedema is swelling caused by fluid accumulation due to missing or malfunctioning lymph nodes. It affects both men and women and causes swelling of the feet and hands. And this is not the case with lipedema. Lipedema can lead to lymphedema because the lymphatic system can’t fight the places where the fat has accumulated. This combination of two conditions is called lipo-lymphedema.
Obesity is increased body weight and fat tissue due to an improper diet and a sedentary lifestyle. At the same time, the accumulation of fatty tissue occurs evenly throughout the body.
READ MORE: How to stop overeating
Lipedema is localized only in some areas and is caused by changes in fat tissue cells (adipocytes) caused by systemic inflammation. Fat accumulation happens quickly and suddenly. The essential difference is that diet and exercise often do not affect the fat tissue caused by lipedema.
Stages of lipedema
There are several stages of lipedema. Those more advanced stages can lead to the development of new diseases. In addition to difficulties in everyday life, there are also those related to aesthetic factors.
Stage 1: the skin is smooth without visible bumps, and fat tissue is enlarged and evenly distributed but soft to the touch
Stage 2: the skin becomes uneven, with the appearance of nodules resembling an orange peel. The fatty tissue is denser and firmer, and the affected area easily bruises. The tissue is sore and sensitive
Stage 3: the skin is uneven and rougher with pronounced nodules, fatty tissue leads to deformation of the extremities, intense pain, and reduced mobility, and fatty tissue can also spread to the upper extremities
Treatment
Early diagnosis of lipedema can help the patient adopt the therapies prescribed by the doctor to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and maintain the quality of life.
– dedicated physical exercises: low-intensity exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help reduce symptoms
– physiotherapy (manual lymphatic drainage) to encourage fluid drainage that reduces swelling
– surgical treatment (liposuction): liposuction can be effective in removing excess fat tissue and improving mobility
– nutrition plan by an expert
– proper hygiene
– psychological help, if necessary
– wearing clothing with gradual (graded) compression: wearing compression stockings can help reduce swelling and pain
Conclusion
Lipedema is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach. Early recognition and diagnosis are essential to successful treatment of the disease. If you have these symptoms or are concerned about this condition, seek professional help and consult a qualified healthcare professional who will recommend the best treatment for you.
NOTE: Information on health disorders is not intended to diagnose or prescribe therapy and cannot be a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, skill, and judgment of a physician. Always seek the advice of a medic or other qualified healthcare professional about any questions you have about any medical condition.
Published 09/01/2022
