The tissue tenderness that is characteristic of lipedema can be checked with the pinch test, which is often felt as very unpleasant in the affected areas but causes no pain elsewhere. Increased capillary fragility manifests itself in spontaneous hematoma formation.
A simple pinch test can often tell you whether you have lipedema. To do this, pinch the skin lightly in the areas of the body that may be affected. If you experience disproportionate pain, you may suspect lipedema.
Lipedema requires a clinical diagnosis, meaning that there is no standardized test such as bloodwork or imaging that can confirm the presence of Lipedema.
Fat feels abnormal and painful.
Unlike normal fat accumulation, fat areas resulting from lipedema tend to be very tender if you apply pressure and may be easy to bruise. The fat deposits can also hurt for no apparent reason, and the skin can become less elastic feeling.
A helpful diagnostic tool to distinguish lipedema from lymphedema is to pinch the skin over the dorsum of the base of the second toe (Stemmer sign); thickened skin that is difficult to lift off of the underlying tissue is considered diagnostic for lymphedema.
Stage 1. In this early stage, it may be difficult to distinguish lipedema from excess fat on the lower body. Instead, providers look for certain characteristics, including: Extra fat in the buttocks, thighs, and calves, but not in the ankles or feet.
Lipoedema is a genetic fat disorder that affects 11% of Australian women with various presentations. There is no simple blood test or scan to diagnose Lipoedema, so the diagnosis is made by history and physical examination.
Your general practitioner (GP) or an experienced nurse is likely to be your first contact person when you notice any signs or symptoms of lipoedema. Your HCP will carry out a medical examination of your body, including your skin and soft tissues, and the function of the arteries and veins.
This blockage can prevent the proper drainage of lymph fluid, which can result in lymphedema. Left untreated, lymphedema can cause infections, healing challenges, hardened skin, and the development of fibrosis, which is scar-like tissue.
Age of onset: 10 to 30. Family history: Common. Areas affected: Buttocks, legs, thighs, arms.
Lipoedema patients can lose weight too. The legs will still look different to the upper body, even after weight reduction, but the symptoms are reduced.”
Liposuction is the only treatment available to lipedema patients that eliminates the troublesome fat deposits from the legs, hips, buttocks, stomach, and/or arms. Liposuction enables doctors to improve the look of the legs and restore better mobility for the long-term.
Liposuction is the main stay of treatment to remove stubborn fat, limit disability and slow the degree of progression as well as to reduce the risk of permanent lymphatic dysfunction and it may assist in reducing painful symptoms. At present liposuction is the only proven method to remove lipoedema fat.
Many people confuse lipedema fat and general fat that forms as a result of being overweight. Though they may appear similar, that isn't at all the case. There's a clear difference between regular fat and lipedema fatty tissue that the trained eye can pick out.
However, there is a stark difference between cellulite and lipedema. Lipedema is a medical condition that can result in pain, bruising, and swelling. On the other hand, cellulite is purely cosmetic and doesn't result in pain or require treatment.
Lipedema almost exclusively occurs in women, with the onset typically by the third decade of life.
A ultrasound can show superficial or deep, bilateral or unilateral vascular insufficiency associated with (or not with) lipedema. As this disease is still not well known in France, even by health professionals, not all angiologists can diagnose lipedema.
Lipoedema sufferers receive little or no government support with the condition not currently being recognised by Medicare.
Stage 2 (moderate lipoedema): fat bulges or lobes are more obvious at the knees and may influence gait. Arms and abdomen may be affected. Lipomas (small nodules) may be felt in the fat. Chronic pain may develop.
Symptoms of Lipedema
The typical symptoms are a large lower half and column-like legs, which are often tender and bruise easily. For example, the top half of your body may be a size 8, but the bottom half may be a size 16. As the condition progresses, fat continues to build up, and your lower body grows heavier.
The best exercises for lipoedema are non weight bearing. Things like swimming, cycling, yoga and stretching. Yoga can be chair based if this suits you better. Walking and Nordic walking (where you walk with sticks for a full body work out) are great low impact options.
Early diagnosis and treatment may help you avoid complications. Exercising and using compression stockings can give you a better outcome. Liposuction can help you feel better. Having other conditions like depression, obesity or lymphedema can make lipedema worse.