Lipedema – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments

What Causes Lipedema:  While the exact cause of Lipedema is unknown, hormones are suspected toplay a role. This is because lipedema affects women, and it often begins or worsens at puberty, pregnancy , after gynecological surgery, and about the time of menopause . According to statistics, up to 11% of all women are affected by Lipedema . Many authorities also believe that genes may play a role, as many women with Lipedema have family members who also have the condition.

Symptoms of Lipedema: Typical symptoms are a large lower half and column-shaped legs, which are often tender and bruised easily. For example, the top half of your body might be a size 8, but the bottom half might be a size 16.

As the condition progresses, fat continues to accumulate and your lower body grows heavier. Lipedemic fat can collect in the arms. Over time, fat cells block the vessels in your lymphatic system, which normally helps balance body fluid levels and protect against infection. This blockage prevents proper drainage of lymph fluid, leading to a buildup of fluid called lymphedema.

If left untreated, lymphedema can lead to problems such as infections , delayed healing of wounds, development of scar tissue called fibrosis, and hardened skin on the legs.

Causes of Lipedema: The cause is not known, but doctors suspect that female hormones play a role. This is because the condition primarily affects women, and it often begins or worsens at puberty, during pregnancy, after gynecological surgery, and around the time of menopause.
Scientists also believe that genes are involved, because many women with the condition have family members with the condition.

Lipedema Treatments: Dieting and exercising will not reduce the fat involved in Lipedema . But it’s still important to do these things because they can help you lose weight with non – Lipedema fat and reduce inflammation.

A treatment called complete decongestive therapy can relieve painful symptoms. Complete decongestive therapy involves:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage: A form of massage that uses gentle, rhythmic pumping motions to stimulate the flow of lymph around blocked areas to healthy vessels where it can drain into thevenous system . This helps relieve pain and prevent fibrosis.

Compression: The use of stretch bandages or custom spandex pants, pants or shorts to increase tissue pressure on swollen legs and lessen the chances of fluid accumulating again.

Exercise: Helps reduce fluid buildup, increase mobility, and maintain or improve how well your legs work.

Complete skin and nail care. Helps lower your risk of sores and infection if you have it associated with swelling