The exact cause of lipedema is unknown. But the condition runs in families and may be inherited. The condition occurs almost exclusively in people assigned female at birth, and usually starts or gets worse at the time of puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Because of this, there is likely a connection to hormones.
Symptoms of lipoedema
If you are affected by lipoedema: your legs appear symmetrically swollen – swelling can occur from the hips down to the ankles and your legs appear column-like; the feet are not usually affected. affected areas feel 'spongy' and cool and the skin is generally soft and subtle.
Anecdotally, patients have not shown loss of lipedemic fat after extreme caloric restrictive diets. However, healthy eating is very important for people with lipedema as the growth of normal fat is thought to promote lipedema fat growth.
Liposuction is the only treatment available to lipedema patients that eliminates the troublesome fat deposits from the legs, hips, buttocks, stomach, and/or arms. Liposuction enables doctors to improve the look of the legs and restore better mobility for the long-term.
Pressure on the legs can cause significant pain making it uncomfortable for lipedema patients to get massages of the legs or wear compression stockings. Hormonal fluctuations, like menstrual cycles, can worsen symptoms. Some people with lipedema also have vein disease which can complicate their condition and treatment.
Complete decongestive therapy (CDT): is used to treat both lymphedema and lipedema. CDT consists of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), exercise, compression bandaging, compression garments, and skin care. CDT helps lipedema by decongesting swelling, encouraging normal lymphatic vessel pumping, and decreasing pain.
Aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking and cycling are especially recommended because they increase lymphatic drainage and improve blood flow through the affected limbs.
If left undiagnosed, it leads to more risk of health concerns and in most cases, emotional issues. Although Lipedema starts off as a cosmetic concern for women, if left untreated, it can have life-threatening consequences. Affecting up to 11% of women, Lipedema becomes a painful and, in some cases, crippling disorder.
Unfortunately, Lipedema fat is far more stubborn than regular fat, and will not respond to diet or exercise. Those with this disorder may workout regularly and practice healthy and balanced nutrition but will continue to gain weight.
Estrogen, a key regulator of adipocyte lipid and glucose metabolism, and female-associated body fat distribution are postulated to play a contributory role in the pathophysiology of lipedema.
Cost. Lipedema is not currently recognised by Medicare as a rebatable medical condition, so surgery attracts no Medicare or private health insurance support and is very expensive.
Lipedema requires a clinical diagnosis, meaning that there is no standardized test such as bloodwork or imaging that can confirm the presence of Lipedema.
The main symptom of lipedema is a buildup of fat in the arms and legs. Other symptoms include pain, swelling, loose skin, and easy bruising. The texture of fat beneath the skin can feel like peas, rice, or walnuts. Symptoms often begin at times of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
A simple pinch test can often tell you whether you have lipedema. To do this, pinch the skin lightly in the areas of the body that may be affected. If you experience disproportionate pain, you may suspect lipedema.
Your general practitioner (GP) or an experienced nurse is likely to be your first contact person when you notice any signs or symptoms of lipoedema. Your HCP will carry out a medical examination of your body, including your skin and soft tissues, and the function of the arteries and veins.
The fat itself is also different. Fat accumulation associated with being overweight is smooth with a rubbery texture. Lipedema fat is marble-like, knotty, or feels like little pearls to the touch.
Patients with lipedema (or lipoedema) can experience an abnormal buildup of body fat in different areas of the body. While this accumulation of lipedema fat occurs most in the legs, thighs, and arms, areas such as the stomach and the hips are possible too.
Unlike the typical fat of obesity, diet and exercise cannot eliminate lipedema fat. Lipedema occurs almost exclusively in women, and can affect women of all sizes, from seriously underweight to morbidly obese.
It has also been seen in women who have experienced major periods of stress or a traumatic life event that would cause a spike in hormones causing distress which then causes the onset of the Lipedema condition.
Clinical treatment was initiated, including changes in lifestyle habits, combined with an anti-inflammatory diet and progression to a low-carbohydrate diet associated with aquatic exercise, manual lymphatic drainage, and antioxidant herbal medicines.
For some women it is impossible to lose weight because of an under-diagnosed autoimmune disorder many people have never heard of called lipedema. Los Angeles-based surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz diagnosed Cruz with the condition. As many as 1 in 9 women may suffer from the condition, according to Dr.
It is recommended that lipedema patient who are deficient in Vitamin D take up to 4 times the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA. Selenium: A supplement that can aid with your daily metabolism is Selenium. It has been known to help reduce swelling that is often painful and continuous for those with lipedema.
If you're living with lymphedema, lipedema, or a similar condition, you can take steps to get relief from pain and the other symptoms at home. Lymphatic massage can be used to relieve the swelling in your arms, legs, or other affected areas. The technique works by helping to promote lymphatic drainage.
Lipoedema (Painful Fat Syndrome) is a progressive condition that affects many women. Lipoedema is a genetic fat disorder that affects 11% of Australian women with various presentations. There is no simple blood test or scan to diagnose Lipoedema, so the diagnosis is made by history and physical examination.