Blog | July 04, 2024
When dealing with lipedema, it is essential to keep an eye on the accompanying and secondary lipedema diseases. This is because these can have a significant impact on the lives of those affected. The chronic fat distribution disorder, which mainly affects women, has more than just external characteristics. Often underestimated and little known are the additional health challenges that can be associated with lipedema.
In this article, we inform you in detail about the possible accompanying & secondary lipedema diseases so that you know what to look out for when making a diagnosis. At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we take a holistic approach that treats the symptoms individually for each patient with extensive specialist knowledge and understanding.
Lipedema – a widespread but often underestimated condition that affects the lives of millions of people worldwide. Those affected not only suffer from an uneven distribution of fatty tissue on the legs, arms and other parts of the body, but are also frequently affected by accompanying health problems. These concomitant conditions can place an additional burden on daily life and significantly reduce quality of life.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO syndrome) and endometriosis are two gynecological conditions that often occur in conjunction with lipedema. These lipedema comorbidities can lead to a range of symptoms – including impaired fertility, cycle disorders and severe menstrual pain. The exact links between lipedema and these comorbidities have not yet been fully researched, but hormonal fluctuations and inflammatory processes appear to play a role.
Varicose veins, also known as varicose veins, can be a common accompanying condition in lipedema patients. These dilated and tortuous veins can not only be aesthetically unpleasant, but can also cause discomfort such as swelling, pain and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. There is also a risk of complications such as phlebitis or even thrombosis. The treatment of varicose veins in lipedema patients therefore requires an individual and holistic approach that takes both aesthetic and health aspects into account.
Obesity and other eating disorders are common lipedema comorbidities and can further exacerbate the challenges of the condition. Lipedema itself is characterized by an uneven distribution of fatty tissue, often resulting in an enlarged appearance. If overweight or obesity is also present, the pressure on the affected areas of the body is further increased, which can lead to increased swelling and discomfort. In addition, obesity can exacerbate movement restrictions and increase the risk of associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and orthopaedic problems.
In such cases, cooperation with our network partner, the Bad Berleburg Edema Center, can be helpful. Specialized doctors and therapists are available there to offer holistic treatment tailored to the specific needs of lipedema patients who are overweight or obese. Individually tailored therapy can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of further complications.
Another concomitant lipedema disease is thyroid disease – especially Hashimoto’s. Possible symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and sensitivity to cold can have an additional impact on both lipedema itself and the lives of those affected. The overlap of symptoms requires careful diagnosis and treatment. This is the only way to effectively control the thyroid disease.
The relationship between lipedema and the psyche should not be underestimated. The stigmatizing perception in society and the daily challenges of dealing with lipedema can be very stressful for affected women. It is not uncommon for them to struggle with feelings of isolation, self-doubt and reduced self-acceptance. In addition, psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety can manifest as lipedema-related conditions. The involvement of psychological counseling and therapy can help patients to accept their condition and develop strategies to deal with the stress.
The effects of lipoedema on the patient’s psyche can also lead to eating disorders. The constant struggle with one’s own body image and the often years of unsuccessful attempts to achieve a change through dieting can result in disturbed eating behavior. The treatment of such concomitant lipedema disorders requires an individualized approach that takes into account the psychological and physical aspects as well as the diet for lipedema.
Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that affects around one in 10 women. It is a disease of the fat cells that mostly affects women. An important point that is not discussed often enough is that this disorder does not always occur alone. It can often lead to a number of secondary lipedema conditions. These secondary conditions can be both physical and psychological in nature and can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. Understanding the links between lipedema and secondary conditions is crucial to understanding the full extent of the disease and being able to treat it effectively.
Lymphedema is a common accompanying symptom of lipedema and is often caused by obesity. What is noticeable here is a disturbed circulation, which leads to an unusual accumulation of lymph fluid in the body tissue. This lipedema secondary disease not only exacerbates the symptoms of lipedema through additional swelling and discomfort, but also significantly influences the progression of the disease. The excessive accumulation of lymph fluid can lead to hardening of the tissue, restrict mobility and intensify the pain. This condition is also known as lipo-lymphoedema. Lymphedema can not only occur as a secondary condition, but is also a common concomitant disease of lipedema.
Orthopaedic conditions such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc problems are not uncommon in people with lipedema – especially in advanced stages. The excess weight and uneven distribution of fatty tissue in lipedema can lead to an unusually high load on the joints due to the weight and thus to a misalignment. For this reason, orthopaedic problems are not uncommon as a consequence of lipedema. Early diagnosis and an individually tailored treatment concept are crucial to maintaining mobility and relieving joint pain.
Lipedema is a complex disease that can have far-reaching physical and psychological effects. The accompanying and secondary lipedema diseases are manifold and require a comprehensive, individually tailored treatment approach.
At LipoClinic Dr. Heck, we are aware that a comprehensive and successful therapy must go far beyond surgical intervention. Under the direction of our medical management consisting of Dr. Christina Kunkel and Dr. Thomas Witte, our team focuses on a treatment approach that not only concentrates on the direct symptoms of lipedema, but also on the accompanying & secondary diseases. This is why we pay particular attention to individual consultation, which enables us to respond to the specific needs and situations of each individual patient.
Would you like to find out more about our approach to treatment, or would you like to talk to other patients during a LipoTalk? Then simply contact us by phone or via the form on our website.
Do you have any questions about lipedema?
Call us or write us an email. We are happy to give you the support and advice you need and look forward to being by your side as you start your new life.
