Lipedema is a condition in which fat accumulates in the lower region of the body. Lipedema affects the buttocks, thighs, and calves the most. The upper arms may be impacted as well. The hands and feet are unaffected by the disease....CONTINUE READING
Lipedema is sometimes confused with lymphedema, however the two are not the same. Lipedema, on the other hand, can lead to lymphedema.
Causes and symptoms.
Lipedema’s actual cause is unknown. However, the illness is inherited and can run in families. The illness affects almost entirely women and usually begins or worsens after adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause. As a result, there is almost probably a relationship to hormones. Lipedema is caused by fat, yet more than half of those who have it are overweight or obese. Dieting can cause you to lose weight in your upper body while keeping your lipedema-affected areas unaffected. The following are some of the signs and symptoms of lipedema:
1. Fat accumulation in the buttocks, thighs, calves, and upper arms. Diuretics, leg elevation, and support stockings are ineffective in treating the afflicted areas. Unless the patient has chronic venous insufficiency or lymphedema, there is usually little swelling in the feet or hands.
2. Lipedema can make it difficult to walk as the condition worsens.
3. As the bottom area of their body grows larger, many individuals with lipedema experience emotional symptoms such as embarrassment, anxiety, and depression.
4. Fat can clog the lymphatic route over time as it accumulates. Lymph fluid builds up as a result of this. Secondary lymphedema, often known as lipo-lymphedema, is the medical term for this illness.
Management and treatment.
1. Lifestyle Changes.
A heart-healthy diet can help limit the spread of lipedema, especially if it’s discovered early on. Swimming, biking, and walking, in particular, are beneficial for mobility and reducing edoema.
2. Decongestive Therapy and Compression Therapy.
Noninvasive therapies may be suggested by your doctor, such as:
A. Manual lymphatic drainage therapy is a gentle kind of skin stretching and massage.
B. Complex decongestive therapy, which entails the use of special wrapping techniques.
3. Invasive Therapies.
Although liposuction can be used to minimise the size of fat deposits, it is not recommended. Wet-jet assisted liposuction is less likely to injure lymph vessels than total tumescent liposuction and is therefore suggested. Your doctor may recommend bariatric surgery if you have lipedema and are obese.