The Differences Between Lipedema And Lymphedema![]()
What is lipedema?Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by progressive accumulation of fat in the tissues just below the skin. It occurs spontaneously and usually affects women. Although it can occur in the arms, lipedema is most common in the lower extremities such as the hips, buttocks, and legs. The exact cause of lipedema is still unknown but its development is associated with heredity and hormonal disorders. Lipedema is often misunderstood and usually mistaken as obesity. Unlike obesity, the fat distribution in lipedema is disproportionate to the normal distribution of fat in the body. The fatty areas that result from this condition resemble fatty tumors and are often painful to touch. What is lymphedema?Lymphedema is a condition that involves the lymphatic system. It occurs when there is a blockage in the flow of the lymphatic fluid. It can be a result of a medical condition or a side effect of treatment (it is common among breast cancer patients who had their lymph nodes removed). In many cases, lymphedema affects one extremity, either an arm or a leg. The Key DifferencesAlthough both lipedema and lymphedema cause swelling of the affected extremity, they have key differences: Symmetry In lipedema, both of the legs are usually affected. This isn't always the case for lymphedema especially for the primary type. Stemmer's Sign Stemmer's sign is a clinical sign, which helps in indicating the presence of lymphedema. It involves lifting of the skin over the second toe, using the thumb and index fingers. It is positive if the skin cannot be lifted. Stemmer's sign is negative in lipedema and positive in lymphedema.
There is no pitting edema in lipedema while it's common in lymphedema especially as the condition progresses.
The site affected by lipedema is painful to touch whereas in lymphedema, the affected area is generally not painful to touch.
Another notable difference between lipedema and lymphedema is the occurrence of hormonal disturbances. This is frequent in lipedema while it doesn't usually happen in cases of lymphedema.
Image: bosmanerwin via Pixabay Posted by: on 2/25/2018
![]() ![]() ![]() |
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