Do I Have Lipedema?![]()
What is lipedema?Lipedema is a chronic condition that usually affects females. Also called as the painful fat syndrome, lipedema is characterized by the development of bilateral and symmetrical fat tissue excess. This excessive fat tissue usually appears on the lower extremities including the hips and upper and lower legs. In some cases, small pockets of fat can be found above the ankles. The exact cause of lipedema is unknown although experts believe that it may run in families. There may also be metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory factors that can trigger the development of lipedema. Do I have lipedema?The lipedema symptoms may vary from one person to another. If you’re suspecting that you have lipedema, then you need to check yourself for the presence of any of the following signs and symptoms:
Stages of LipedemaLipedema comes in different stages. Mild cases can progress when left unmanaged. Stage I Stage I lipedema is considered as the early stage of the disease. At this point, skin is smooth and swelling can easily be resolved through rest and elevation. Stage II During the next stage of the disease, skin may start to have indentations and there could be development of lipomas and eczema. Unlike Stage I, the swelling in Stage II lipedema may not be easily resolved through rest and elevation. Stage III There are hardened connective tissues in Stage III lipedema. Swelling is consistently present and is less responsive to treatment modalities. Stage IV During Stage IV of the disease, there is larger mass of skin that overhang and patients may develop fibrosclerosis. Like Stage III, Stage IV lipedema is less responsive to different treatment modalities. Diagnosing LipedemaYou need to see a specialist in order to confirm if you really have lipedema. The process for diagnosing lipedema involves history taking and physical examination. It may also involve soft tissue imaging such as the use of MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound. The doctor may also request for lymph vessel imaging like lymphoscintigraphy and DEXA, a form of imaging for fat content. If the question “do I have lipedema?” constantly bugs you, then it’s best to see a specialist to have you assessed. This condition is more manageable in its early stages. So, don’t wait for it to progress before you see a specialist. Image: Robert Couse-Baker Posted by: on 3/21/2017
![]() ![]() ![]() |
October 2019
September 2019
March 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
June 2017
May 2017
April 2017
March 2017
February 2017
January 2017
December 2016
November 2016
October 2016
September 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016
February 2016
January 2016
December 2015
April 2015
March 2015
February 2015
January 2015
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
September 2014
August 2014