Neuropathic Pain Features in Lipedema Compared to Lymphedema: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background:

Lipedema is a chronic connective tissue disorder characterized by painful subcutaneous adipose accumulation, mainly in the lower extremities. Pain is a hallmark feature, yet its mechanisms remain poorly defined. Neuropathic components may contribute, but direct comparisons with lymphedema are scarce.

Methods:

In this exploratory cross-sectional study, 118 female patients with lipedema (n = 62) or bilateral lower extremity lymphedema (n = 56) were assessed. Pain intensity was measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Neuropathic pain was evaluated with painDETECT and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS). Psychological status was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), cognitive–emotional aspects with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and health-related quality of life with the WHOQOL-BREF.

Results:

Lipedema patients reported higher pain severity (VAS 6.2 ± 1.4 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5, p = 0.02) and greater neuropathic pain prevalence (42% vs. 21%, p < 0.01) than lymphedema. painDETECT and LANSS scores were significantly higher in lipedema (p < 0.001). HADS-Anxiety (10.2 ± 3.8 vs. 7.8 ± 3.5, p = 0.005) and PCS scores (29.5 ± 7.2 vs. 25.4 ± 6.5, p = 0.03) were also elevated, while HADS-Depression was slightly higher in lymphedema without significance. WHOQOL-BREF scores were similarly reduced in both groups compared to population norms. Correlation analyses showed strong associations between pain intensity, neuropathic features, catastrophizing, and anxiety, particularly in lipedema.

Conclusions:

A substantial proportion of lipedema patients exhibit neuropathic pain features and higher pain severity compared with lymphedema, while anxiety and pain catastrophizing appear to amplify symptom burden; however, quality-of-life impairment is substantial in both conditions, and the findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating with implications for more individualized management approaches.