LIPODEMIA – lipid edema – causes and symptoms

Some women complain of excess fat in their legs, which does not decrease despite dieting and exercise. If your legs are disproportionate to the rest of your body, hurt even when touched lightly, and you also struggle with cellulite, you may be suffering from lipedema. In the following article, you will learn about the possible causes, symptoms, and complications of lipedema.

What is lipedema and where does it come from?

Lipid edema (also known as fat edema, lipodema, lipedema) is a chronic condition affecting the subcutaneous tissue. It occurs only in women, mainly in the lower limbs, less often in the upper limbs, and worsens with age. The cause of lipedema is unknown, but since it only occurs in women, hormonal disorders or genetic predisposition are suspected. Disorders of the vascular system may also contribute to the development of lipedema.

The concept of lipedema was developed in 1940, but it is still a little-known disease and is often confused with lymphedema or simply being overweight. Untreated lipedema can lead to serious complications, which is why correct diagnosis is so important.

Symptoms of lipedema

Lipedema is not related to being overweight and does not decrease with diet or exercise. Lipedema can occur even in very thin people. The first symptoms appear during puberty. Symptoms usually become significantly worse during pregnancy and menopause. Rapid weight gain or gynecological procedures can also trigger the onset of lipedema.

Lipid edema is characterized by excess fatty tissue in the legs, less commonly in the arms. The rest of the body remains unchanged, which distorts its proportions. Lipid edema tends to intensify during the day and decrease after a night’s rest. It becomes particularly persistent during hot weather. The greatest edema affects the thighs and calves, while the feet remain unchanged. Lipid edema is symmetrical, affecting both limbs. These characteristics distinguish lipid edema from lymphatic edema, which is usually most severe in the foot and ankle area and often occurs on only one limb.

More about the differences between lymphatic and lipid edema.

Cellulite is visible in areas affected by fatty edema. The edema is often accompanied by severe pain when touched. People suffering from lipid edema bruise very easily. The edema can be so severe that it hinders movement. Often, rubbing of the thighs against each other results in painful abrasions of the skin. Lipid edema is often associated with the occurrence of so-called orthostatic edema, i.e., swelling caused by prolonged sitting or standing.

How to recognize lipid edema?

The graphic shows symptoms that may indicate lipedema. If you recognize any of them, be sure to consult your doctor and learn about the methods of treating lipedema.

Stages of lipedema

Lipid edema is a progressive disease. Not in all, but in most patients, the edema increases over time. There are four stages of the disease. Proper diagnosis and treatment can prevent the problem from worsening.

Stage I

• the skin is smooth and regular, cellulite may be present
• edema occurs, which intensifies during the day but subsides during rest
• The swelling is limited to the hips, thighs, and calves, and does not occur on the feet
• At this stage, treatment of lymphedema is fairly easy and effective, the progression of the disease can be halted, and the swelling may subside on its own.

Stage II

• the skin hardens and becomes uneven, with visible indentations
• small nodules are palpable
• The swelling intensifies during the day and only partially subsides during rest.
• The swelling is concentrated in the thighs and on the sides of the ankles.
• The limbs may be tender, i.e., painful to the touch
• symptoms of secondary lymphedema may appear – sometimes the feet may also swell
• at this stage, the development of the disease can still be prevented, and the swelling may decrease with appropriate treatment

Stage III

• the skin surface becomes increasingly irregular
• The lumps that can be felt become larger
• The swelling is present all the time and does not subside during rest.
• Large masses of skin and fat form hanging folds.
• pain symptoms intensify significantly
• movement is difficult
• walking causes the thighs to rub together and wounds to form
• at this stage, secondary lymphatic edema occurs, referred to as lipo-lymphatic or fat-lymphatic edema
• the edema may also affect the feet
• at this stage, tissue fibrosis (hardening) is irreversible, and treatment is aimed at preventing further development of the disease

Stage IV

• The skin is smooth and regular, cellulite may be present
• There is swelling that worsens during the day but subsides during rest.
• edema is limited to the hips, thighs, and calves, and does not occur on the feet
• At this stage, treatment of lymphedema is fairly easy and effective, the progression of the disease can be halted, and the swelling may subside on its own.

DO NOT LET YOUR SWELLING DEVELOP AND BECOME IRREVERSIBLE!
START TREATMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE