How can the symptoms of lipoedema be treated and relieved?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive treatment for lipedema, as it is a chronic and potentially progressive condition (if associated with obesity), but it is possible to relieve symptoms, prevent complications and improve quality of life using a variety of approaches. Treatment and symptom relief rely mainly on a combination of conservative therapies and, in some cases, surgical treatments⁽²⁾.

Conservative approaches help to reduce disease progression and complications, relieve pain and swelling and maintain mobility and well-being. 

• A healthy lifestyle: this includes good eating habits and a healthy diet. Good weight management is important for limiting the progression of the disease. In fact, in 60 to 80% of cases, patients with lipedema are also obese, which can increase the amount of fatty tissue, aggravate symptoms and create lymphatic disturbances^(1,2,4,5).
• Education: the aim is to acquire the knowledge needed to manage the condition independently⁽²⁾.
• Psychological support^(2,3) 
• Compression therapy: this is recommended to reduce pain, limb fatigue and inflammation, as well as increasing mobility and remodelling the lower limbs⁽³⁾. This may involve wearing compression devices (leggings, thigh-highs, socks) or bandages, and using intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices^(1,2).
• Physical exercise: aerobic, low-impact sports are recommended (cycling, water sports, swimming), as well as sports that increase muscle strength^(1,2). Activities that exert excessive force on the joints (knees, hips, ankles) are not recommended due to the orthopaedic problems that may be present in some patients. In all cases, it is advisable to do an activity that the patient enjoys so that it can be practised over the long term. 
• Skin care^(2,3)

The most common surgical approach is liposuction. This option is available for certain types of patient and is not considered as a first-line treatment^(1,4).