Dercums & Exercise

Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Although some people can contract Dercum's disease while maintaining a healthy weight, a majority of people with Dercum's disease are obese when they are diagnosed. Therefore, a common treatment for people with Dercum's disease is weight reduction, which is usually achieved through a proper diet and light to moderate exercise. Low- impact exercises such as warm water therapy can also help ease tension in painful or stiff muscles and joints. However, exercise is often difficult for people with Dercum's disease because prolonged movement of aching muscles can cause intense pain. Someone experiencing extreme fatigue, muscle soreness, or joint pain should be careful not to over- exert themselves if they choose to start an exercise routine, as strenuous activity can often increase the severity of symptoms