Those who suffer with arm lipedema find their daily life affected in many ways. Firstly, they experience pain and discomfort on a daily basis. Lipedema fat is painful, and this can make it difficult for sufferers to move their arms freely. As the fat builds up and nodules and lobules develop, it becomes even harder to move the arms comfortably. As the arms become very large, bulky, and disproportionate, sufferers also experience poor self-esteem. They often feel embarrassed about their appearance and thus try to cover up as much as possible. Their clothing choices can be restricted. They also often avoid doing many activities, such as working out, swimming, or sunbathing. Essentially, arm lipedema affects everyday living significantly, reducing the quality of life overall.

Is Arm Lipedema Painful?

Lipedema is a medical condition characterized by painful fat. Wherever the abnormal fat accumulates on the body, it causes pain and discomfort. That means if a patient has lipedema in their arms, they experience pain in this area. The pain becomes chronic over time, and may range from relatively mild pain to severe pain.

When the arms experience persistent pain because of lipedema, performing routine activities becomes difficult. Sufferers often find household chores, cooking, and sometimes even dressing a challenge.

Lipedema causes the arms to become increasingly tender. They also bruise more easily due to fragile capillaries. That can lead to sufferers avoiding physical contact or any activities putting pressure on the arms. Carrying shoulder bags, carrying items, and even hugging may be out of the question for them. The pain of arm lipedema can affect the sufferer’s concentration and focus. That can make it hard to cope with work and can spoil leisure time and time spent with loved ones.

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Does Arm Lipedema Have a Physical Impact?

The excess fat in the arms restricts their movement, and that can affect the sufferer’s ability to do physical tasks. Carrying, reaching, and lifting tasks are all challenging. The arms are uncomfortable and heavy, too. That makes writing, using utensils, and typing difficult.

Many sufferers find that their condition has an impact on their personal hygiene too. Washing, applying makeup, brushing hair, and getting dressed can all present challenges because of pain and reduced arm mobility.

As lipedema fat causes the arms to be heavier, muscle fatigue is common in sufferers. That makes tasks such as brushing teeth, carrying groceries, or even holding a telephone feel exhausting.

Essentially, the physical impact of lipedema in the arms affects endurance and productivity on a daily basis.

What Is the Emotional Impact of Arm Lipedema?

Not only does arm lipedema impact sufferers physically, it affects them emotionally, too. Arm lipedema often leads to poor body image, particularly because the arms have a disproportionate appearance. Lipedema in the arms also results in limited mobility and chronic pain. These symptoms also frequently make sufferers feel depressed and frustrated. They may also socially withdraw because of a lack of self-confidence. Social anxiety is commonplace in sufferers.

Does Arm Lipedema Affect Social Interactions and Work?

People with arm lipedema often feel embarrassed about the way their arms look. Their body image issues often cause sufferers to avoid attending social gatherings. They are also likely to avoid participating in any activity requiring arm exposure or short sleeves. For example, swimming and sunbathing are probably out of the question.

As sufferers experience pain and restricted arm movement, they often have reduced professional performance too. That is especially likely to be the case in any job requiring physical labor. It’s also a significant issue for any role requiring frequent use of the arms and hands, such as typing. Over time, sufferers often stop participating in recreational or physical activities. That is because they are too self-conscious and may find the fatigue and pain too much to cope with.

How Can Patients Cope with The Impact of Arm Lipedema?

Lipedema is a lifelong condition. Therefore, sufferers must learn how to adapt and cope with the condition’s impact on their lives. On a practical level, they can use assistive tools or modify tasks so the strain on their arms is reduced. They can also undergo conservative treatments to manage the physical symptoms. These options include having manual lymphatic drainage massages regularly and wearing compression garments. Some sufferers find it helpful to attend support groups or participate in online communities where they can meet other sufferers. Therapy is also a helpful option to consider.

There is, however, a surgical treatment that can produce excellent results. Liposuction is the gold standard treatment for lipedema. It can remove lipedema fat from the arms, reducing pain and improving arm mobility. Lipedema liposuction also improves the appearance of the arms, restoring a more proportionate appearance. As a result, the sufferer enjoys both better mental and physical well-being. Finding a skilled and experienced surgeon is critical. Dr. Su at ArtLipo is a top choice thanks to his specialism in this field. Get in touch today to learn more.