Treating Lipedema With Natural Alternatives

by Luella May

(The Best Years in Life) Lipedema, also known as painful fat syndrome, is an abnormal swelling in the lower portion of the body caused by accumulation of fat and fluid in the tissues just under the skin. This condition is caused by an uneven distribution of fat cells affecting the abdomen, hips, and legs. Thus, a person suffering from lipedema may appear to be obese, but only in the lower portions of the body. Although this condition affects the sufferer in many ways, there are steps that can be taken to control its symptoms.

Although lipedema and lymphedema are often confused, they can be differentiated by the fact that lymphedema usually affects only one limb, such as an arm or a leg, while lipedema affects only the lower portion of the body, and affects both legs at the same time. Another characteristic of lipedema is that it does not affect the feet. A ring forms at the base of the ankle where you can see the swelling stop. Lipedema often causes bruising and bleeding beneath the skin. Lymphedema does not. Lipedema often involves pain, primarily in the shin area. This is due to chronic lymph blockage resulting in storage of fluid in the connective tissue. Read More.