Lipedema is a fat disorder in which the body accumulates excess fat under the skin in the lower body, primarily affecting the hips, buttocks, and legs.This painful condition is most common in women, with an incidence of approximately 11%.It can happen in men.If you have been diagnosed with lipedema, you should discuss your treatment options with your doctor.Lipedema is a painful, embarrassing, and potentially disabling condition that many women suffer with.It is important to find a way to cope with the difficult emotions you might be dealing with, because early diagnosis and treatment can decrease pain and discomfort.
Step 1: Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.
Though eating healthy and exercising won't cure the problem, it will help get rid of any fat that is not caused by the disorder.Inflammation can be reduced by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising.Though you may be doing everything right in terms of diet and exercise, you won't be able to cure the disorder because it's not a result of being obese.
Step 2: You can use compression wear.
This is a fairly straightforward treatment which involves wearing a garment for several hours each day.You will need to discuss your needs with a doctor or therapist.It is thought that wearing compression garments encourages blood flow.The compression encourages the fluid to leave the area.This option may not be a good one for you if you are experiencing pain because of your lipedema.
Step 3: You can try Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
The massage is meant to encourage the flow of fluids in the body.The massage will be given by a trained professional, and combined with another type of therapy, such as compression therapy.It is possible that this treatment is effective in reducing pain.
Step 4: Don't forget to consider Complete Decongestive Therapy.
This type of therapy involves combining several non-surgical techniques, such as use of compression wear, manual lymphatic drainage, and skin care to help prevent infections.This type of treatment is done in two phases.There are two to 12 weeks of one-hour treatment sessions in the first phase.The sessions are usually limited to four or five days a week.The second phase is called the maintenance phase and involves giving self-massage to the affected areas, completing exercises, and wearing compression wear or bandages.
Step 5: Liposuction is a topic to learn about.
If other treatment methods have not helped in some cases, you may be able to use scuplture as a way to treat the disorder.This is a surgical method that comes with a lot of risks.Tumescent Liposuction is one of the three varieties of liposuction.Discuss which method is right for you.Liposuction for lipedema patients is more common in European countries than in the USA.It may be more difficult to find a surgeon with experience in this method of treatment if you live in the US.
Step 6: Talk to your doctor about pain management.
Lipedema is both disfiguring and painful for many.The fat on the legs, hips, and buttocks is sensitive to touch and can easily be bruised.The emotional effects of the disorder can make living a normal life difficult.Your doctor should be aware of the pain you experience with your lipedema.The doctor can tell you how to manage the pain.Some doctors may prescribe pain medications, while others may refer you to a specialist who can teach you various pain management techniques.Many of the therapies discussed in this article are able to help reduce swelling and also reduce pain.Being overweight can contribute to the pain caused by lipedema.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important.Many lipedema patients report that swimming is an excellent way to exercise because it is very low impact and does not make the pain worse.A good way to reduce stress and improve blood flow is by doing yoga, walking, stretching, and bouncing on a trampoline.To see which exercises you enjoy the most, try them out.
Step 7: Continue to live a healthy life.
A diagnosis of lipedema can make some people feel discouraged.The extra fat may make it feel like there is no point in trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but this is not the case.It is more important than ever that you learn to manage the disorder while eating right and exercising on a regular basis because of the diagnosis.Ask your doctor about an exercise regimen that works for you.You should point out any exercises that are painful because of your condition.
Step 8: Get regular check ups.
After being diagnosed with lipedema, patients experience other health problems.Obesity, mental disorders, and problems related to the veins are just a few of the possibilities.It's important to see your doctor regularly to keep an eye on your health.In some cases, lipedema can lead to a different, but similar disorder known as lymphedema, which may require different treatment methods.
Step 9: Take care of any conditions that might make the disorder worse.
Some health conditions can make lipedema symptoms worse.Health conditions that cause inflammation tend to make the symptoms of lipedema worse.Your doctor should be aware of all the medications you are taking.Make sure you take your medication according to your doctor's instructions.
Step 10: You can join a support group.
Being diagnosed with lipedema can be a shock, and dealing with the physical symptoms of the disorder leaves many people feeling very self-conscious.Finding a support group that helps you realize you are not alone is a great way to cope with the psychological effects of this disorder.A positive, supportive community for people with lipedema can be created with the help of social media groups.The lipedema project helps people find a supportive place to learn about and talk about their lipema.
Step 11: Consider therapy.
Being diagnosed with lipedema can be difficult for many people.You might have a good social support system in place already, but having an objective person that has an outside perspective can be a great way to talk about your feelings in a safe environment.A trained mental health professional will be able to give you new ways to think about your diagnosis.Listening to your worries about the disorder is very helpful for many people.
Step 12: You should surround yourself with people who support you.
When you are diagnosed with lipedema, you may start to realize that there are people in your life who don't have your best interests in mind.It won't do you any good to listen to other people's opinions after you've been diagnosed.You should surround yourself with people who make you feel better.You can still keep in touch with people who aren't always a shining beacon of positivity.While you are learning to cope with your diagnosis, try to distance yourself from those people.
Step 13: Lipedema is not the result of lifestyle changes.
Many people who are diagnosed with the disorder feel like it's a result of not getting enough exercise or eating too much junk food.This is not the case.Doctors believe that the cause of the disease is related to hormones.It is a genetic disorder that is passed down.You should accept that no amount of diet and exercise will cure the problem, as you should do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle.Making healthy food choices and getting enough exercise will help you maintain your health.It is important to remember that the disorder is not your fault and that you shouldn't beat yourself up about it.