All About Lipedema
Welcome to part two of our three-part series on swelling in the body. Last time we covered edema and today it's lipedema, a condition that affects an estimated 11% of women and is frequently misdiagnosed as something else entirely.
Edema vs. Lipedema: What's the Difference?
Edema is an excess buildup of fluid in the body, often from injury, surgery recovery, or simply not moving enough. Lipedema is different: it's a buildup of fat and water in the tissues, and it behaves nothing like ordinary weight gain.
Lipedema causes an abnormal accumulation of fat cells in specific areas, typically the legs and buttocks, sometimes the arms, creating a pear-shaped or column-like appearance. Unlike obesity, which affects the whole body, lipedema almost always spares the hands and feet, which is one of the clearest signs something else is going on.
Symptoms of Lipedema
Edema is an excess buildup of fluid in the body, often from injury, surgery recovery, or simply not moving enough. Lipedema is different: it's a buildup of fat and water in the tissues, and it behaves nothing like ordinary weight gain.
Lipedema causes an abnormal accumulation of fat cells in specific areas, typically the legs and buttocks, sometimes the arms, creating a pear-shaped or column-like appearance. Unlike obesity, which affects the whole body, lipedema almost always spares the hands and feet, which is one of the clearest signs something else is going on.
Symptoms of Lipedema
- Disproportionate fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise
- Tenderness and pain, especially when the area is touched or bumped
- Easy bruising, due to fragile blood vessels under the skin
- Swelling, particularly after standing or sitting for long periods
- A spongy, cellulite-like texture to the skin
What Causes Lipedema?
So much about lipedema is still misunderstood, and it's commonly mistaken for obesity or lymphedema. Possible contributing factors include:
Treatment Options for Lipedema
A lipedema diagnosis isn't a life sentence, even though it can bring real emotional weight, especially in a culture that's quick to judge appearance and slow to understand what's actually happening in the body. Here's what can help:
Next up: Lymphedema: the most serious of the three, and what to know about managing it long-term.
- Genetics. A family history increases likelihood
- Hormonal Shifts. Once again, women's hormones are out to get us. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, oh my!
- Inflammation.
- Vascular and lymphatic factors. Disruptions in those systems may contribute to the fat and fluid buildup.
Treatment Options for Lipedema
A lipedema diagnosis isn't a life sentence, even though it can bring real emotional weight, especially in a culture that's quick to judge appearance and slow to understand what's actually happening in the body. Here's what can help:
- Compression garments and lifestyle changes can ease both the physical and emotional discomfort
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) improves lymphatic flow, reduces swelling, and supports the body's natural balance. Techniques like myofascial release and cupping can help too.
- Surgical options, such as tumescent or water-assisted liposuction, for more severe cases
Next up: Lymphedema: the most serious of the three, and what to know about managing it long-term.
