Lipedema Blog

Chronic swelling (also referred to as “edema”) in the legs is a risk factor for eventually developing cellulitis. A recent study showed that swelling of the legs from any cause leads to an increased risk for leg skin infections or cellulitis. For women suffering from Lipedema, this can add insult to injury in an already debilitating disease accompanied by sensitive and easily bruised skin. If left untreated, cellulitis can move into the lymph nodes and bloodstream and require more serious medical treatment. Symptoms of cellulitis may include the following: Red

  Lipedema is a subcutaneous fat disorder that primarily affects the extremities, and often affects lymphatic circulation. Until now, there have been no biomarkers or available for a conclusive diagnosis. Lipedema is thought to affect at least 11% of the female population worldwide. It is inherited in 60% of women, likely through genes affecting microvessels resulting in excess fluid bound to glycosaminoglycans in the interstitial space. Because lipedema is consistently associated with functional alterations of the lymphatic vasculature, it is frequently misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphedema, and molecular mechanisms of

Lipedema continues to be a poorly identified condition where diagnoses are often avoided by US physicians. Identifying lipedema involves a clinical evaluation from a medical physician with expert knowledge regarding this condition. Two factors that are critical in finding a proper lipedema diagnosis include identifying an abnormal fat deposition in impacted areas and identifying symptoms of lipedema. Obesity vs Abnormal Fat Accumulation Far too often Lipedema is misdiagnosed as obesity. The abnormal fat deposition of lipedema is very different from obesity. Individuals with lipedema typically accumulate disproportionate fat in soft

When most think of lipedema, they think of the changes in size the body will go through as the disproportionate fat tissue accumulates. This fat tissue is disproportionate, as it typically builds up most around the lower extremities such as the hips and thighs. This change can hurt the way you think you look and harm your social relationships. However, lipedema can do much more than just harm your self-confidence. Lipedema causes arthritic symptoms similar to that of degenerative joint disease. This condition disables most individuals, causing them mobility issues.

Each year the country stops and takes a month to give more awareness to lipedema and those who have been diagnosed with it. June has been designated as Lipedema Awareness Month and has been observed for several years now. Take a look at what you should know about his important month each year: History of Lipedema When observing Lipedema Awareness Month, it is important to understand the start of lipedema itself. Lipedema was first recognized in 1940 by Mayo Clinic physicians Dr. Edgar Hines and Dr. Edgar Allen. They specifically

Before you start looking for more invasive treatments to help reduce the symptoms of your lipedema, you should start with conservative steps. Your nutrition plays a key factor in maintaining some symptoms of lipedema. We recommend following a Rare Adipose Disorder (RAD) diet. This type of diet is actually a modification to a standard Mediterranean diet that helps you maintain a low glycemic index. In order to do this, it is recommended that you avoid any refined or processed starches and sugars. These are usually found in pasta, rice, bread,

One of the most common symptoms of lipedema that is observed in all stages is swelling. This symptom is due to an increased amount of extracellular water causing the swelling. This extracellular water is lymphatic fluid that contains hundreds of inflammatory compounds that are responsible for fibrosis that drives the progression of lipedema. The increase of water will only increase with each further stage. One of the most frequently recommended forms of care for swelling and pain is wearing compression garments. This step in our multidisciplinary approach is typically recommended

Lipedema and Lymphedema Webinar: Mythbusting and Case Controversies   Join this lively and interactive discussion with Dr. Wright and other experts!   Jun 11, 2020 08:00 PM   Watch Seminar Here

When dealing with the effects of lipedema, your body can also feel the repercussions of direct impact to your lymphatic and venous circulation system. Both systems together help the body create lymph. Venous disorders like venous hypertension and venous reflux impact these combined systems to create excess lymph production. Having an overwhelmed production can lead to overloaded lymphatic circulation. Both the venous system and our lymphatic circulation utilize passive contractions to clear this fluid from our limbs. Learn More About Interaction of Veins and Lymphatics with Lipedema Here! Lymphatic Issues

Living with lipedema and lymphedema can be difficult and impose limitations of your daily life. These disorders stem from impaired lymphatic systems that are unable to have proper drainage that in turn create difficult symptoms to live with. You may know that lipedema mostly impacts the legs and bottom half of the body due to this lymphatic system impairment. Fortunately, symptoms of both lipedema and lymphedema can be treated with a variety of relief methods. More severe symptoms can be targeted with complete decongestive therapy, also known as CDT. This