Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising may also help reduce inflammation. It is important to understand that this disorder is not a result of being obese, and though you may be doing everything right in terms of diet and exercise, you won’t be able to cure the disorder through diet and exercise. [3] X Research source
It is believed that wearing compression garments encourages blood flow while also providing support. Additionally, the compression encourages the fluid to move out of the area and drain properly. [5] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you are experiencing pain because of your lipedema, this treatment option may not be a good option for you.
This treatment may also be effective in reducing pain.
This type of treatment usually involves two phases. The first phase is an active phase which involves two to 12 weeks of one-hour treatment sessions. These sessions are usually limited to four or five days each 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 day and night.
There are three varieties of liposuction: the dry technique, Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL), and Tumescent Liposuction (TLA). You should discuss which method is right for you. Generally, liposuction for lipedema patients is more commonly used in European countries than in the USA. Thus, if you live in the US, it may be a bit more challenging to find a surgeon experienced in this method of treatment.
Many of the therapies discussed in this article (such as MLD and CDT) work not only to help reduce the swelling but also to reduce pain as much as possible. [9] X Research source Being overweight (in addition to lipedema) can contribute further to the pain caused by lipedema. This is why it is especially important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Many lipedema patients report that swimming offers an excellent way to exercise because it is very low-impact and does not exacerbate the pain. [10] X Research source Other exercises that may offer a good way to reduce stress and improve blood flow include: yoga, pilates, walking, stretching, and bouncing on a trampoline. Try out these exercises to see which (if any) are painful, and which you enjoy most.
Ask your doctor about an exercise regimen that will suit your needs. Be sure to point out any exercises that are made painful because of your condition.
In some cases, lipedema can advance into a different, but similar disorder known as lymphedema, which may require different treatment methods. [12] X Research source
Make sure that your doctor is aware of all medications you are taking, including any herbal supplements or vitamins. If your doctor prescribes any medication, make sure that you take your medication as instructed.
There are many blogs, forums, and other social media groups aimed at creating a positive, supportive community for people suffering from lipedema. The lipedema project is an organization aimed at helping people find a supportive place to learn about and talk about their lipedema. [14] X Research source
Additionally, a trained mental health professional will be able to help you strengthen your coping skills, and give you new ways to think about your diagnosis. This is in addition to listening to your worries about the disorder, which is very helpful for many people.
This doesn’t mean you have to cut off contact with everyone who isn’t always a shining beacon of positivity. Instead, try to distance yourself from those people while you are learning to cope with your diagnosis.
Thus, while you should do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should accept that no amount of dieting and exercise will cure the problem. Getting enough exercise and making healthy food choices will, however, help you maintain your health as best you can. Given this information, it is also important to remember that the disorder is not your fault and that you shouldn’t beat yourself up about the disorder.
