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Halk AB, Damstra RJ. First Dutch guidelines on lipedema using the international classification of functioning, disability and health. Phlebology, 2016; (0):1–8 doi:10.1177/02683555166394219 Lipedema is a condition that develops over time. Medical professionals classify the disease in different stages, depending on its development. There are four stages of lipedema: Stage 1 Lipedema. NIH Genetic and Rare Disease Information Centre. rarediseases.info.nih.gov, last updated February 2019 Being overweight (in addition to lipedema) can contribute further to the pain caused by lipedema. This is why it is especially important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many lipedema patients report that swimming offers an excellent way to exercise because it is very low-impact and does not exacerbate the pain. [10] X Research source

However, by speaking to other women in the wonderful Lipedema community we have online, I realised it’s not all as depressing as it might seem. Yes, Lipedema can’t be cured. And yes, it is a progressive condition that gets worse over time. But there’s plenty we can do to slow the progression of Lipedema and there are incredible surgical treatments available that were unheard of 10 years ago. MLD is a specialist type of light massage that is mainly used to reduce swelling caused by fluid. People with lipoedema say that it can help to reduce pain and discomfort. You may have this alongside compression therapy. Pain control

Exercise can help with joint pain and your doctor may suggest you see a physiotherapist. If your pain is difficult to control, your doctor may refer you to a pain clinic for specialist help. Liposuction

Treatment for lipoedema

No. The swelling in lymphedema often affects only one side of the body, and includes the hands and feet. Furthermore, lymphedema can be diagnosed with imaging or genetic tests. These protrusions of fat can put pressure on a person’s joints and may affect their mobility and balance. In stage 2, there may be indentations in the skin, and lipomas (fatty lumps) may develop. You may experience eczema or skin infections known as erysipelas. Swelling may still appear during the day, but likely doesn’t go away completely, even with rest and elevation of the legs. At this stage, your body may still respond well to treatment. The cause of lipedema isn’t fully understood, though it is believed female hormones play a significant role in its onset, due to the condition mostly occurring in women. Scientists also believe genetics may be a factor.

Some health professionals may find it difficult to make a clear diagnosis, but some improved diagnostic tools are being developed. Differences between lipoedema and lymphoedema With the first doctor I used several years ago, the herbs were in liquid form, in pouches. With the doctor I’m currently working with, the herbs are in a powdered, freeze dried form where I just stir in water and drink. I find the powder more convenient and far less expensive, easy for travel, plus the pouches all were individual so I didn’t like that it used so much plastic. But I think alot depends upon the doctor you choose and what they provide. I do know that it seems necessary to take high quantities so capsules would be difficult.Try to minimise the amount of time you spend sitting down or being inactive. Low impact exercise such as yoga, swimming and walking will help to keep you mobile and avoid putting extra strain on your joints. Women with lipoedema find aqua exercise (exercising in water) particularly helpful. Skin care Scientists also believe genes are involved, because many women with the condition have family members with the condition. Lipedema Treatments As far as the formulation, it is like 13 different herbs and usually changes every month or so when you are getting treatment. I don’t have the list here since I am travelling and it does change dramatically so not sure how helpful it will be. Plus I know that the herbs treat other conditions so they will be different for everyone. I do know that for me, ginseng was an important part of the formula and I have found some technical information that shows that it is being investigated for treating lymphatic issues: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27333960.

Lipedema is an inherited, chronic, progressive disease characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat in subcutaneous tissue, mainly in the lower and upper limbs [ 1]. It is a potentially aggressive disease because it limits mobility and damages the lymphatic vascular system [ 2], leading to deformities and loss of quality of life. Its prevalence in females is believed to be 11–39% [ 3– 6]. The intensity of presentation is greatest in the inflammatory phase, manifesting as pain [ 7], sensitivity to touch, edema [ 8], chronic fatigue, and unprovoked ecchymosis [ 5, 9]. UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines. UK Government Chief Medical Officers. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk, published September 2019 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Lipoedema occurs because of the way that fat (adipose tissue) and its supporting connective tissues are distributed under your skin. Best Practice Guidelines: The management of lipoedema. Wounds UK. wounds-uk.com, published March 2017

Living with lipoedema

Surgical treatment should not be performed in the inflammatory phase of the disease [ 10], and the best time for decision-making is when the patient has reached the best symptomatic state. Undoubtedly, the advent of liposuction that protects the lymphatic system brought new perspectives and hope in the treatment of this disease [ 31]; nevertheless, liposuction does not exclude non-surgical therapy. Psychological support for those living with lipoedema. Lipoedema UK. lipoedema.co.uk, accessed April 2021 You will want to find a physician and therapist who are willing to learn about Lipedema and are local to you. Since awareness is a problem in the US, print out the Giving Smarter Guideand other documentation, and bring it to the appointments with you. You may find that asking the Facebook groups for recommended providers in your area shortens the search. Supplements Incorporate natural anti-inflammatories, like garlic and turmeric, into your cooking or add a supplement.