All about lipoedema stage 1 – symptoms & treatment

What is stage 1 lipedema?

Lipoedema is characterized by disproportionate fat deposits on the legs, buttocks and sometimes also the arms. The exact causes have not been conclusively clarified. The favorable factors include hormonal and genetic triggers.

Stage 1 lipoedema is the initial stage of the disease. At this stage, it is often not easy to recognize or interpret the signs of lipoedema. A lot of time often passes before the correct diagnosis is made. Exercise or a change in diet cannot combat the fat deposits caused by lipoedema.

What are the symptoms of stage 1 lipedema?

How stage 1 lipoedema manifests itself can vary from patient to patient. Although it is often barely recognizable from the outside, the disease can already cause severe discomfort for those affected. Possible symptoms include

• Small, symmetrical increase in volume on the legs, buttocks or arms, which cannot be combated by training or diet
• Touch and pressure sensitivity
• Possibly noticeable rice grain-like nodules in the tissue
• Slight dents in the affected skin areas
• Feeling of coldness in the legs after sitting or standing for a long time
• Pain and feelings of tension
• Tendency to hematomas

Understandably, such symptoms are often associated with great uncertainty. Is it really lipedema? Is it perhaps cellulite or simply being overweight? Is it possible to counteract the weight gain with exercise?

Listen to your gut feeling and have your suspicions checked out by a doctor in order to relieve the symptoms as quickly as possible and slow down the progression of the disease to the next stage – even if lipoedema itself cannot be cured in the early stages.

How is stage 1 lipedema diagnosed?

There is often a lack of awareness of the disease lipoedema. This often leads to misdiagnosis. It is crucial that you consult a specialist, such as a phlebologist or lymphologist, directly if you suspect stage 1 lipoedema. A doctor who specializes in lipoedema will examine you carefully. This may also include various tests.

Detailed medical history:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Information about possible family predispositions can also be helpful.

A trained eye:
A lipoedema specialist can often tell whether you may have lipoedema with just one careful look. Visual assessment can therefore make a decisive contribution to the diagnosis.

Palpation and pinch test:
The typical first signs may include palpable rice grain-like nodules in the skin tissue. These can be detected by palpation. If there is significant pain during the pinch test, this may also indicate lipoedema.

Ultrasound examination:
The ultrasound examination is used to check the thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer. This examination can be particularly helpful in diagnosing lipoedema in otherwise slim women. However, such a diagnosis by means of an ultrasound examination is only possible by a phlebologist or vascular surgeon and can only be claimed from the health insurance company in this case.
You can rely on the expertise of our lipoedema experts. With a trained eye and a deep understanding of this condition, they have already helped numerous women to reduce their suffering.

What treatment options are there for stage 1 lipedema?

The aim of treating stage 1 lipoedema is to alleviate the symptoms and thus improve quality of life. In this way, the progression of the disease can often be slowed down. However, lipoedema cannot be prevented.

Compression therapy

The symptoms of lipoedema can be controlled by wearing compression pants or stockings. This reduces swelling and stabilizes the fatty tissue. It is important to wear the compression garments regularly and over a longer period of time. The pressure exerted on the tissue can support the lymph flow.

Manual lymphatic drainage

Manual lymphatic drainage involves targeted hand movements to stimulate lymph flow. In this way, swelling and oedema can be reduced. This eliminates the feeling of heaviness, which can significantly alleviate existing pain.

Change of diet

There are certain foods that can help to alleviate lipoedema symptoms. For example, a ketogenic, low-carbohydrate diet has proven to be advisable. Focus on a Mediterranean mixed diet with lots of vegetables, pulses and fish. However, avoid foods with a high glycemic index. These include ground cereals, potatoes and rice.

Exercise and sport

Lipoedema cannot be combated through sport. However, there are some types of sport that can have a positive effect on the condition. Water sports in particular, such as swimming or aqua aerobics, stimulate lymph flow while protecting the joints. Blood circulation is also stimulated. And finally, regular exercise can also do something for your psyche and generally improve your well-being. You can find detailed tips in our blog: Losing weight with lipoedema: can exercise help?

Lipedema surgery

The lipoedema surgeryliposuction is currently the only way to remove the diseased fatty tissue and significantly improve quality of life. In principle, this procedure can be performed at any stage. The costs of liposuction are generally only covered by health insurance in stage 3 and under certain conditions. Decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the symptoms and complaints.

Tips for everyday life with stage 1 lipoedema

As a lipoedema sufferer, you have to learn how to deal with this condition. It requires a lot of attention. Try to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Exercise regularly and take a critical look at your diet. It is often a great challenge to remain mentally stable, as lipoedema can also be a great psychological burden. Realize that you are by no means alone with this disease. Self-help groups and online forums, for example, can provide valuable support. Here you can talk to other sufferers. It may take some effort, but it is an important source of support for many lipoedema patients.

Conclusion

Even in stage 1 lipoedema, sufferers can experience severe discomfort, which is not only a physical but also an emotional burden. For outsiders, however, possible signs of lipoedema are not necessarily noticeable, which further increases the level of suffering for patients. Early detection by the right doctor is crucial in order to slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life – in addition to special treatment options, a healthy lifestyle plays a decisive role.

Do you suspect you have lipoedema and are looking for the right support? Our experienced lipoedema experts are here for you. We would be happy to welcome you for a personal consultation and discuss your symptoms and possible treatment measures to make your life with stage 1 lipoedema easier.

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