Thick legs, fluid retention and, consequently, swelling in the legs are problems that bother most women. However, if the symptoms persist and are accompanied by pain when touched, perhaps it is not just fluid retention, but a condition called lipedema.
“Very common in women, lipedema is a personal characteristic characterized by the accumulation of fatty tissue that leads to enlargement of the limbs, especially the legs, and which can also reach the arms”, explains vascular surgeon and angiologist Dr. Aline Lamaita, member of Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
Unlike lymphedema, where there is an alteration in the lymphatic system that leads to the accumulation of fluids in the affected limb, lipedemas are always symmetrical and the symptoms include a painful sensation when touched, an increased frequency of spontaneous hematomas and a greater tendency to accumulate fluid.
“It is not uncommon for a person with lipedema to find it strange when undergoing a lymphatic drainage or relaxing massage, since the experience, which should be pleasant, is usually accompanied by pain and sensitivity to touch”, says the specialist.
As it is an individual characteristic, lipedema cannot be cured, but it can be controlled, since, in addition to the symptoms mentioned above, the condition can cause aesthetic discomfort in some patients.
“O lipedema is a constitutional feature that can be modified with physical activity, proper nutrition, lymphatic drainage, medication and, in some cases, compression stockings. In addition, it is essential to treat other associated pathologies, such as varicose veins and high blood pressure, to avoid complications”, highlights the doctor. “However, the most important thing is that you see a specialized doctor. Only he can diagnose the problem and indicate the best treatment for each case.”
Vascular surgeon and angiologist, Dr. Aline Lamaita is a member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, the Brazilian Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery, the American College of Phlebology, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Graduated from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo, the doctor participates, at Harvard University, in postgraduate courses that teach tools to encourage changes in the lifestyle of patients in favor of improving longevity and quality of life . The doctor has the title of specialist in Vascular Surgery by the Brazilian Medical Association / Federal Council of Medicine.
