For anyone with a diagnosis of lipedema hanging over their head, it’s not an easy experience. Any kind of health challenge can be disheartening, especially when there’s seemingly no cure. However, lipedema can be managed, especially when you understand it. Here are some things you should know about a lipedema condition:
Learn about the condition
What is lipedema? Maybe your doctor expressed concern about a possible diagnosis, or you’ve already been diagnosed. Basically, it’s an abnormal distribution of fat that usually develops in your legs but can sometimes occur in your arms as well.
It’s typically something that impacts women and is often discovered because it can cause pain and distress. If you have lipedema, you may want to find a medical team of vascular medicine professionals, plastic surgeons, or endocrinologists familiar with the condition and can help you learn everything you need to know about managing it.
Know the symptoms
Some people are often misdiagnosed as obese due to the common causes of obesity. In reality, they have lipedema. This is why it’s important to understand your symptoms; to ensure you can get a proper diagnosis and the treatment you need.
Lipedema typically causes:
- Chronic pain
- Bruises
- Unique fat deposits
- Loose skin
Some of these issues may be related to other health conditions, and having one of these symptoms isn’t always a reason for alarm; it’s crucial to know the symptoms. If you have seen a change in your limbs, bruise easily, and are in pain, speak to your medical provider about a possible lipedema diagnosis.
Research treatment
If you do receive a lipedema diagnosis, before you get discouraged about your condition, know that there are options for treatment that can stop it from progressing and help relieve swelling and pain. Here are some treatment options:
- Weight management
- Exercise therapy
- Manual lymph drainage
- Optimal skincare
- Compression gear therapy
- Liposuction
Your medical provider will know what the best option is for your stage of lipedema and what could work best for you. In some cases, you’ll need to combine treatments, such as manual lymph drainage, with skincare. For some people, liposuction can be a useful option when many treatments fail.
Join support groups
Because lipedema is a challenging condition to have, many people who get a lipedema diagnosis end up experiencing some depression or anxiety. However, there are lipedema support groups that can help you navigate your diagnosis and fears so that you can live a calmer life.
While it’s certainly not a diagnosis anyone wants to receive, there are treatment options that can enhance your quality of life. Finding support in others who face similar challenges can provide you with the camaraderie that makes it easier to accept your condition and thrive despite a lipedema diagnosis.
Understand your condition
Learning what you can about lipedema will help you get the treatment you need to take care of yourself. From investing in trendy compression gear that can prevent fluid buildup to stocking up on skincare products that will help you protect your affected limb (s) from infection, there are many reasons to learn what you can about lipedema and the available treatment. This way, you can achieve a better quality of life.
In Conclusion
Although lipedema doesn’t have a cure, there are ways to manage your condition and avoid it advancing. Speak to your healthcare provider about your condition so that you can decide on the best course of treatment for your specific needs. There are many treatments available that can help you live comfortably. While this condition does bring challenges, you can manage the progression of the disease and live an overall healthy lifestyle with the right support system and treatment.
