Associated conditions in Lipoedema
Obesity
SHARIES COMMENTS – CONCERNS ABOUT REF TO ‘OBESITY’
Although Lipoedema is distinct from obesity, women with lipoedema have a higher risk of developing obesity and there is also a risk that obesity may lead to a secondary lymphoedema developing.
The abnormal buildup of adipose tissue is not that respondent to normal weight management programmes and BMI can be misleading – however weight management is relevant and avoiding further weight gain is important in managing the condition. Although more research is needed there is some evidence that avoiding processed foods and eating whole foods and plant based, anti-inflammatory diets can be helpful with symptoms, general wellbeing and remaining mobile and fit.
Women with lipoedema often try multiple diets to control the size of their limbs by dieting without success. Many are accused of overeating, even when they consume very few calories. Poor nutrition and eating disorders are not uncommon in lipoedema, including under-eating, over-eating and over-exercising.
A referral to weight management and psychological therapy services can be helpful and offer advice, therapy and support.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema can be mistaken for lipoedema and visa versa, however they are two different conditions. Researchers are now studying the links between these two conditions.
Lymphoedema is swelling that occurs anywhere in the body, but commonly arms and legs are affected. This happens because the lymphatic system which includes a network of lymphatic vessels and nodes throughout the body is compromised and does not drain the tissues adequately. The result is a swelling to the affected areas. Lymphoedema can be primary or secondary. Primary is caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system -this usually presents at birth or infancy, in adolescence or early adulthood. Secondary lymphoedema is caused by secondary damage to the lymphatic system, this may be from infections, injury, obesity, surgery or cancer for example. Treatments for lymphoedema are similar to that of lipoedema, skincare, exercise, compression therapy and healthy diet and exercise and using medical or self-lymphatic drainage techniques. There are also now more innovative surgical treatments to help with lymphoedema such as lymph node transplant, lymphaticovenular anastomosis and liposuction.
In stage 4 lipoedema –A lymphoedema occurs secondary to the lipoedema. It seems that body shape distortion and pressure from the abnormal fat cells means the lymph system struggles to cope in that area and fails to drain the area of excess fluid efficiently. Fluid then builds up in the tissues. At this stage the condition of Lipoedema is re-classified as lipoedema with secondary lymphoedema.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that affect mainly the legs and can be a common problem for women with Lipoedema. The veins may be visible and bulge through the skin. This is because the tiny valves inside the veins weaken and don’t work properly and allow a backflow of blood that cause the veins to bulge and tissues to swell. Symptoms include pain, heaviness, swelling and skin changes to the legs for example dry, itchy skin or varicose eczema. Symptoms can worsen during warm weather or if you are standing or on legs for longer periods. Risk factors include being female, a family history of varicose veins, being older, being overweight and pregnancy. Improvement can be seen with elevation, exercise, good skincare routine and wearing compression hosiery. Compression therapy can sometimes prevent varicosed veins. Other surgical options may include endothermal ablation where heat is used to seal the affected veins, sclerotherapy or ligation and stripping. Discuss with your GP if varicose veins are a problem and a referral for a vascular assessment may be required.
Joint problems
Often joint pain can occur in the lower back, hips, knees or ankles. Many with lipoedema will frequently complain of knee pain which may be diagnosed as osteoarthritis.
Women with Lipoedema can carry excessive weight from the abnormal distribution of fat and this can put further pressure on the joints and may affect gait and posture. Hypermobility may also contribute to joint problems and pain too.
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue.
Symptoms include:
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an increased range of joint movement (joint hypermobility)
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stretchy skin
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fragile skin that breaks or bruises easily
EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndromes/
Dercums Disease
Dercum's disease is a loose connective tissue disease -It is a rare disorder characterised by multiple, painful growths of fat tissue known as lipomas