Which accompanying symptoms make one think of lipedema?

Lipedema is characterized by thick legs. For no apparent reason (change in diet, less exercise) the legs suddenly become thicker and store fat. In addition, they are sensitive to pain and pressure, and in later stages the areas can even hurt without touching.

Some affected persons describe a feeling of heat in the legs (or arms), even if the limbs feel cool on the outside. In warm weather, when standing and sitting for long periods of time or in the evening, the symptoms may worsen and a distinct feeling of heaviness may occur in the legs. Dents in the skin are also possible symptoms of lipedema.

In addition, bruises and spider veins frequently occur. Usually only the legs are affected at first, later the arms are added, so that prolonged work above the head (blow-drying or brushing hair) often leads to complaints. The arms are also affected in 30-60% of lipedema patients. The complaints of the legs are usually more symptomatic, so that the arms are often left out of consideration.

Pain and pressure sensitivity

Especially in warm weather or after prolonged standing, complaints such as pain and sensitivity to pressure in the area of the legs are particularly pronounced in people with lipedema. In such situations, in addition to the fat deposits on the legs, there is a reduced transport of fluid from the legs back to the heart. As a result, more fluid remains in the tissue, which leads to additional edema. These can trigger a feeling of tension, which is also associated with pain and sensitivity to pressure. The pain is usually dull and oppressive.

Increased tendency to bruising in lipedema

People who suffer from the disease of lipedema get bruises extremely often. These are usually caused by even the slightest bumps, and often the affected persons cannot even remember having bumped at the given spot. Nevertheless, the sensitivity to pain is particularly high at the site of the bruises.

An exact cause of the increased tendency to bruising is unfortunately not known. However, it could be suspected that this is due, among other things, to the fact that the blood accumulates in the veins and is transported away more slowly. The veins are often bulging with blood and burst even under slight pressure.