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Can loose joints worsen lipedema pain? researchers investigate
NCT ID NCT07808242
First seen Sep 08, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This observational study asks whether women with lipedema, a condition that causes abnormal fat buildup in the legs, are more likely to have joint hypermobility, or unusually loose joints, compared to healthy women of similar age and weight. Researchers will measure joint looseness, pain, posture, and quality of life in 65 women with lipedema and 65 healthy volunteers. The goal is to see if hypermobility relates to more severe symptoms or a lower quality of life in lipedema.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If the study finds a clear link, it could point toward better ways to spot and manage joint problems in women with lipedema.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, so it cannot prove cause and effect. Results may not apply beyond the Turkish population studied.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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130 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2025
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Lipedema Group: Female patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were clinically diagnosed with lipedema based on detailed physical examination and clinical assessments. The participants were evaluated and recruited at the Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. Control Group: Healthy female volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, who were strictly matched to the lipedema group in terms of age and Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * For Lipedema Group: Aged between 18-65 years. Diagnosed with lipedema. Willing to participate in the study. Having a socio-cultural level suitable for study participation. * For Control Group: Aged between 18-65 years. Willing to participate in the study. Having a socio-cultural level suitable for study participation. Exclusion Criteria: * For Lipedema Group: Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction. Chronic venous insufficiency and/or lymphedema (Stage 4 lipedema). Acute or chronic renal failure. Heart failure. Active cancer or ongoing cancer treatment. Presence of neurological disease. Presence of rheumatological disease. History of liposuction or major surgery for lipedema within the last 6 months. Visual or hearing impairment severe enough to affect study compliance. Illiteracy or cognitive impairment preventing the ability to give written informed consent. * For Control Group: Previous diagnosis of lipedema, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency. History of rheumatologic, neurologic, endocrinologic, or cardiovascular diseases. Uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction. History of acute or chronic renal failure, heart failure, active cancer, or ongoing cancer treatment. Orthopedic problems affecting lower extremities, trauma, or history of liposuction/major surgery within the last 6 months. Regular use of medications that may affect pain threshold (e.g., systemic corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, etc.). Physical barriers affecting pain assessment (algometry, VAS) or postural observation (e.g., severe vision/hearing loss, local skin lesions, amputation, etc.). Cognitive impairment or lack of literacy preventing written informed consent. Psychiatric illness preventing compliance with the study process or communication problems affecting cooperation.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
Izmir, 35330, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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