Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Lipoedema, or fatty edema, is a disease sometimes called fat leg disease. Its effect is disproportionately thick legs compared to the structure of the whole body. This disease is very difficult to diagnose, so sick people often wait many years for a diagnosis and effective treatment. Symptoms of lipoedema can be eliminated by introducing a diet and increasing physical activity. However, it should be remembered that the affected area will not lose weight.
Lipoedema – what disease is it?
Lipodemia it is a very rare disease, therefore it is difficult to diagnose it. Main symptom there is a strong fatty swelling located in the lower limbs. It rarely affects the hands or the hips, but such cases have also occurred in patients. GPs or GPs have a hard time making the right thing diagnosis, most often indicating problems with obesity or lack of physical activity in patients. The origin of this disease is currently unknown. Most likely it has a basis genetic. Occurrence lipodemia mainly in women, it may indicate a key relationship between hormonal disorders and lipoedema. Lipodemia arises as a result of disorders of fat metabolism, improper nutrition of fat cells, numerous disorders of the venous circulation and disorders of the endocrine system.
Lipoedema and its symptoms
Lipodemia in most cases it affects women. They complain of severe swelling in the lower extremities. The doctor should pay special attention to the patient if, in addition to swollen legs, he also notices diseased arms, while maintaining a slim figure. When do the first appear symptoms? In most cases, it is during early adolescence. Patients feel the so-called fatty paini.e. burning, tingling and soreness in swollen areas. Dangerous symptom there is also mental discomfort, problems with self-acceptance, complexes that very often lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. The so-called columnar legs, easy bruising of the lower limbs with numerous telangiectoses.
Accompanying symptoms
Among other symptoms lipodemia difficulties with walking, knee strain, and irritating skin tension can be indicated. Swollen legs rub against each other during walking, which causes painful abrasions, and the joints are exposed to loads caused by too much adipose tissue.
Can lipoedema be predicted?
Yes, because genetic factors are of great importance in this case. If we know that our closest ancestors complained of a similar ailment or the symptoms were similar, and the disease was not clearly diagnosed, we should focus on strengthening the muscles, start exercises to stimulate circulation and strengthen the venous system, and use a properly balanced diet.
Lipoedema – treatment of the disorder
As the disease progresses, there are numerous disorders in the lymphatic system. This causes the formation of severe lymphoedema, which intensifies pain as well as enlarges the swelling. So what is it focusing on leczenie? First of all, the use of underwear and compression garments. The attending physician should also issue a referral for rehabilitation including massage – lymphatic drainage, aimed at relieving the affected areas and providing temporary relief. To get rid of annoying parts symptoms it is absolutely necessary to follow a diet that inhibits the development of adipose tissue in the body. Why? Excess body weight promotes joint damage and development lipodemia, blocks blood flow and may aggravate a number of other ailments.
Apart from conservative treatment, there is a possibility of surgical treatment – liposuction.
Lipoedema – further treatment
Buy compression garments it is partially reimbursed by the National Health Fund. Once a year, the patient may apply for funding for the purchase of such medical equipment. Compression clothing Its task is to unblock the lymph flow in the limbs affected by the disease, which will reduce swelling and reduce pain. In addition, you should use the help of a qualified physiotherapist who, by means of lymphatic drainage, will improve the lymph flow in the limbs, which will reduce swelling. What does lymphatic drainage look like? Lymphatic drainage is a massage that involves moving the accumulated lymph in the affected limbs towards the lymph nodes closest to them. A series of a dozen or so rehabilitation treatments may bring relief to the patient for a longer period of time. The condition is, however, the simultaneous use of treatments and compression garments.