Lipedema: Shedding Light on a Misunderstood Disease

 

In our latest issue of Vein Health News, we explore a condition called lipedema. Though it’s not venous in nature, there is often a co-occurrence with venous issues and sometimes lymphedema.

Lipedema is a loose connective tissue disorder that results in an abnormal buildup of adipose (fat) cells in the limbs. These cells settle into certain areas of the body, most often in the hips and legs—disproportionately more significantly than in the upper body (although lipedema sometimes affects the arms and lower trunk). 

 

Someone with lipedema may experience pain, tenderness, swelling, or easy bruising of the affected areas. The intensity and frequency of pain can vary. The condition may be accompanied by an unusual lumpy or fibrous texture within the fat tissue that can feel like peas or walnuts beneath the surface of the skin.

 

Lipedema is estimated to affect 10 to 17 million people in the United States, primarily women. The true prevalence is likely higher due to widespread underdiagnosis. The good news is that in 2021, a group of experts in the U.S. released a “consensus guideline” to standardize care for this diagnosis. Evolving scientific research is helping to increase knowledge of and about the condition.

 

There is currently no cure for lipedema. Current treatment means management, which includes dietary changes (to reduce inflammation), exercise, compression, weight loss (for management of comorbid metabolic disease), Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), pain management, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

 

Treatment for comorbidities can sometimes help. For example,
treating underlying venous insufficiency is appropriate if it is contributing to lower leg symptoms that impair functioning.

 

At the Vein Healthcare Center, we see a number of patients who have lipedema, and we do everything we can to provide knowledge to understand the condition. Having lipedema can be physically painful, not to mention difficult to cope with emotionally. That’s why psychological and social support are just as important as physical treatment.

Click here to read the Lipedema issue of Vein Health News!