Lipedema: what it is, symptoms, how to identify the disease and how it is treated

Lipedema is a disorder of the distribution of body fat, whose cause has not yet been clarified and which affects women. The main characteristic is that fat accumulates in the hips, buttocks, legs and usually also in the arms.

There are different patterns of distribution of fatty tissue pathologically increased. In the legs is distinguished:

Thigh area: only the hips and thighs are affectedLower leg area: the lower legs are also affected hereAnkle zone: the calves to the ankles are affected. There is a distinctive step visible that can be turned into a muff-like fat collar that hangs over the ankles.

If the arms are also affected (which is often the case), the pattern of fat distribution often resembles that of the legs.

Lipedema: what is it

Thin women can have lipedema just like obese women. lipedema it is not a type of obesity and it does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Interestingly, lipedema is virtually non-existent in Asian women.

Symptoms of lipedema

The challenge in diagnosis is that the symptoms are usually non-specific at first and those affected usually attribute them to being overweight and do not go to the doctor.

The first and typical signs of lipedema are sensations of tension, itching, pain and exhaustion in the legs. They start with prolonged standing or sitting and get stronger and stronger throughout the day to the point where they can become unbearable.

They are particularly bad for lipedemas warm temperatures, but also low atmospheric pressure, which occurs, for example, in air travel. In these situations, the pain does not decrease even when the legs are raised. In some cases, the discomfort is more pronounced a few days before the menstrual period.

Lipedema affects women almost without exception and never occurs before puberty. It can start with pregnancy, menopause or gynecological surgery (removal of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc.). For these reasons, a hormonal cause of this disease is suspected.

However, cases of lipedema have also been reported after general anesthesia or severe stress situations (death of a loved one, divorce, shock, etc.). In addition, there seems to be a non-determining genetic predisposition.

Evolution and stages of lipedema

Lipedema tends to get worse. However, progression varies greatly from person to person and cannot be predicted in individual cases.

In some women, the increase in adipose tissue reaches a certain level and it remains in that state throughout life. In others, however, the lipedema increases rapidly from the beginning. Sometimes it remains constant for years and from a certain point onwards it gradually worsens. The vast majority of lipedemas begin between the ages of 20 and 30.

Depending on the severity, Three stages of lipedema are distinguished:

Stage I:

Legs that look like jodhpurs, with smooth, even skin. If the subcutaneous tissue is brought together, an “orange peel” texture appears, similar to cellulite, but it is not cellulite. The subcutaneous tissue feels thickened and soft, particularly on the inner thighs and knees, structures that feel like Styrofoam balls in a plastic bag are palpable.

Stage II:

Legs with extreme jodhpurs appearance.Skin surface rough and knobby with large dents and knots the size of walnuts to apples (“mattress skin”),Subcutaneous tissue is thickened but still soft.

Stage III:

Marked increase in circumference, thickened and hardened subcutaneous tissue, Thick, disfiguring flaps of fat (formation of a double chin) on the inner thighs and knee joints with the appearance of chafing wounds, Lumps of fat sometimes hanging over the knees. ankles, X-leg position.

Diagnosis of lipedema

lipedema it is diagnosed by:

Medical history taking (anamnesis) Visual examination Palpation

Based on these three elements of the “basic diagnosis”, a competent doctor can clearly diagnose lipedema in more than 90% of cases.

Lipedema: treatments that can help

Since lipedema is not obesity, does not respond in the same way to diet and exercise.

If the diagnosis of lipedema is beyond doubt, it is important to start appropriate treatment as soon as possible to counteract pain and other symptoms.

There are several conservative methods to alleviate the symptoms.

Physical solutions for lipedema

For example, compression stockings or lymphatic drainageThey help remove water accumulated in the tissue and temporarily relieve pain.

They are highly recommended swimming and aqua gym.

diet for lipedema

To control lipedema, you can follow a diet that is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and low or very low in carbohydrates.

supplements

Vitamin D3: Patients with lipedema are often deficient in vitamin D, sometimes severely deficient, most likely because vitamin D3 is fat soluble and is retained in fat. This vitamin also supports healthy bones, muscles, and the nervous and immune systems.Selenium: Helps reduce painful swelling. You can take a supplement or a Brazil nut a day.Diosmin: It is a bioflavonoid found in citrus fruits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lymphatic tonic properties.

Liposuction and surgical intervention

The treatments relieve the symptoms but do not address the causes of the problem and are therefore often frustrating.

As a last resort, in many cases only liposuction really helps. In this procedure, pathological fat tissue is permanently removed. After the operation, you should play sports and follow a balanced diet.

Less invasive type liposuction cannot be performed in the most advanced stages of the disease. In this case, an intervention called dermato-fibro-lipectomy is necessary.

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