Lipedema Blog

One of Dr. Wright’s newer patients, Crystal, was diagnosed with Lipedema for the first time just 3 months ago, and she’s already feeling the joy and relief that comes with an official Lipedema diagnosis.  “I felt a sense of relief and joy come over me instantly,” she says.  Crystal was diagnosed by Dr. Wright with Stage 3, Type 3, and 4 Lipo-Lymphedema. Over the next 90 days post-diagnosis, she’s undergone two Lipedema surgeries and overcome a lifetime of challenges when it came to “her relationship with gravity”, as she calls

Before tackling the issues and symptoms associated with lipedema, it is important to assess your vein health by working closely with a vein specialist. Vein issues and lipedema, both can cause painful, heavy legs, and tenderness, so it can be difficult to know if your symptoms are related to veins or solely to lipedema. An experienced vein specialist can get you on the right path to a diagnosis and treatment plan. Common Vein Issues Venous insufficiency causes inflammation in the veins which can contribute to lipedema swelling (edema) and inflammation.

Good news, these conditions are not life-threatening on their own. However, if undiagnosed or untreated, they will worsen over time and may contribute to several other secondary ailments and complications. If you have signs of swelling, and pain in your body, especially in your legs and arms, seek treatment starting with your primary care physician. Ongoing care of lipedema and lymphedema with a vascular expert lessens the risk of other serious problems. Hearing the terms lipedema and lymphedema sound strange and Googling them can be downright scary. For instance: These

In celebration of Lipedema Awareness month back in June, Dr. Wright and Dr. Herbst updated the world on the latest insights and understandings on Lipedema vs normal fat. Sponsored by Lipedema UK and Lipedema LIO ITALIA, we’ve summarized the key learnings and helpful information below. Don’t miss updates in the future on our “Lipedema in the News” section, and feel free to watch the full 1.5-hour webinar here. What is Lipedema? Lipedema is a fat disorder, mainly affecting women, that causes an enlargement of both legs due to deposits of

Lipedema is a fat disorder, mainly affecting women, that causes an enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat under the skin. It’s characterized as a “progressive disorder,” meaning it generally gets worse over time. Sufferers living with lipedema experience easy bruising and tenderness, pain in the affected areas, and significant disability in daily life. In severe and more progressive cases, the trunk and upper body may also be affected, including the arms and upper back. Little is known about the disorder, and it’s often misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated

LIPEDEMA DISEASE LINKED TO FAMILY HISTORY 3 independent studies find lipedema is an inherited condition. As reported by The Cleveland Clinic [#} on its website, the exact cause of lipedema is unknown, but the condition runs in families and may be inherited. This statement is supported by three independent studies conducted by leading research teams in Europe who validated lipedema is a genetic condition. Lipedema appears to primarily affect females, presumably driven by estrogen as it usually manifests at puberty. Lipedema disease is different from obesity and is often misdiagnosed

June is Lipedema Awareness month, one in which the Lipedema community focuses (even more than usual) on how to reach women who have lived with this painful and distressing disease. While we’ve seen great strides in awareness, insurance coverage, and slightly greater recognition of this disease in the medical community, we continue to fight an uphill battle as women are underdiagnosed or completely dismissed when discussing their struggles and side effects with their providers. As a result, our team has put together some of the most important and impactful information

Despite affecting an estimated 11% of women around the world, Lipedema is not yet widely known. Fat tissue, (also referred to as adipose tissue) provide the human body with both cushioning and insulation. Lipedema affects the accumulation of these fat cells and adjoining connective tissue in the body, resulting in bulging, irregular fat in the affected areas. The legs are the most commonly affected area, but sometimes spreading occurs in the torso, and in many cases, excessive clustering of fat cells is noticed in the arms as well. Regardless of

Through efforts led by LE&RN (the Lymphatic Education & Research Network), the Senate has passed a bill for the LD Commission (Lymphatic Disease Commission) to increase research and lymphatic education. The bill passed in the Senate last month, with a vote of 68-31. Now that it’s passed in both houses of Congress, it is now on President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. This is exciting and unprecedented news for men and women suffering from lymphatic diseases! Video: LE&RN’s Appeal to Congress video here. The following language is taken

March is Lymphedema Awareness month, a time to put on your light blue ribbon and find creative ways to participate in educating the world on lymphatic diseases. The highlight of the month, World Lymphedema Day, falls on March 6th this year. The Lymphatic Network hosts a wide range of events all around the world for the community to participate in, both digitally and in person. Sign up for events and presentations on their home page, or use their guide to getting involved and participating on World Lymphedema Day. All month