Lipedema is often overlooked even by doctors or confused with obesity or lymphedema. As a result, those affected often have a long ordeal behind them before the correct diagnosis and treatment option is recommended. The symptoms caused by the edema, i.e. by "water in the legs", are particularly stressful for the patients. During the day, these swellings appear in the subcutaneous tissue of the lower legs, but not in the feet. They are caused by an increased permeability of the capillaries for fluid and an obstruction of the lymphatic drainage. At the onset of the disease, there is little or no edema in the morning, but it is clearly visible in the evening. This is intensified by standing or sitting for a long time, especially in the hot season. Over the years, the finding intensified: the lower legs and thighs are swollen all day long and no longer get slim overnight. This accumulation of water causes feelings of heaviness and tension as well as pain when touched and pressured. This congestion pain forces you to reduce sporting activities and, if necessary, to do aqua gymnastics with the brief feeling of weightlessness. The gait pattern can also change as a result of lipoedema: It becomes knock-kneed and overloads the lower back as well as the hip and knee joints.