How do I know if I have lipedema?
The irregular distribution of fat deposits in certain areas of the body can point to lipedema. However, to be diagnosed with the condition also means you will have some other tell-tale signs of the chronic condition.
Some of the most common symptoms of lipedema include the development of spider veins, bruising and significant calf swelling over the course of the day. Patients can also encounter a fold of skin that can be pulled over the second and third toes.
Lipedema is also a condition with asymmetrical quality. For example, if the condition is noticeable
in the legs, then both legs will show similar signs of abnormal fat distribution. However, as the
condition is often mistaken for obesity, people with lipedema usually get treatment in the later stages.
As mentioned in the previous section, lipedema is often confused with obesity, so many patients go to dieting first to tackle the problem. Unfortunately, without lipedema treatment, the condition can progress to affect adipose tissue, blood vessel, lymphatic vessels, and more. Therefore, seeking effective treatment early on is essential.
When the condition remains untreated, the lipedema fat can start to affect the patient’s lymphatic system and lymphatic drainage. As the fat tissue starts the block the lymphatic system, fluid level regulation and infection protection become negatively impacted. It eventually leads to a problem called lymphedema, which will be discussed later on.
The exact causes of the condition are currently unknown. However, it is known that women with lipedema are more common than men with the condition. Scientists currently believe that hormonal changes may play a significant role in the development of the condition, but there is not enough evidence to support this at this present time. A family history of lipedema could also be an indicator of the condition.