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Adiposis Dolorosa Community› Adiposis Dolorosa Articles› What is Lipedema? Taken from Lymphnotes.com
| What is Lipedema? Taken from Lymphnotes.com |
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| Written by grandmasylvia | |
| 10 July 2011 | |
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"Lipedema and Lymphedema What is Lipedema? Mild lipedema. Lipedema, which is also known as painful fat syndrome, is abnormal symmetrical swelling due to accumulations of fat and fluid located in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs. It extends downward toward the ankles but does not affect the feet. There are also fatty bulges on the outer surfaces of the thighs. [1] The following article is the best that I have ever read. Please read it and show it to your medical providers. It is concise and understandable. "Lipedema and Lymphedema What is Lipedema? Mild lipedema. Lipedema, which is also known as painful fat syndrome, is abnormal symmetrical swelling due to accumulations of fat and fluid located in the tissues just under the skin of the hips and legs. It extends downward toward the ankles but does not affect the feet. There are also fatty bulges on the outer surfaces of the thighs. [1] This condition is inherited, occurs almost exclusively in women, and most cases gradually develop during puberty. Lipedema involves the extra deposit and expansion of fat cells in a distinct pattern on the body from just below the waist to just above the ankles. Unlike the fat associated with obesity, the fat associated with lipedema cannot be exercised away. Also, this fat tissue does not respond or reduce with diet. The Symptoms of Lipedema Pain is present particularly along the shin. This is a major problem. In the early stages of lipedema the upper part of the body may be slender. Despite having a slim upper body, fat accumulates from the tops of the hips to the ankles. When weight is gained, it accumulates in the areas of the hips and legs. When weight is lost, the fat decrease occurs in areas other than those affected by lipedema. Weight loss does not occur in the area between the waist and ankles. Fat that extends down the legs creates a ring of fatty tissue that overlaps the tops of the feet. Swelling develops in the legs during the second half of the day; however, this swelling decreases during sleep. In the early stages, nodules develop. Nodules are small fatty lymps within the tissues. In the later stages, lobules develop. Lobules are rounded fat deposits that aer largr than nodules. Lipedema and Lymphedema Lipedema is a genetically transmitted disorder. While lipedema is not a disorder of the lymphatic system, lipedema and lymphedema are often confused because both conditions involve enlargement of the legs. Lipedema and lymphedema are distinctly different conditions; however, lipedema can cause secondary lymphedema to develop in the feet and the lower extremities to be present as a comorbidity. There are several features about lipedema that distinguish it from lower extremity lymphedema affecting both legs. Lipedema is symmetrical because the excess fat involves both legs equally. Lymphedema is not symmetrical and often occurs in only one leg. Lipedema swelling has a characteristic ring at the base of the ankle where the swelling stops. Lymphedema swelling often begins at the foot and there is not ring at the base of the ankle. Lipedema does not include swelling of the foot. Lymphedema swelling affects the foot, ankle, and leg. Lipedema patients often complain of pain when touched. Lymphedema pain is rarely this severe. Lipedema often causes bruising and subcutaneous bleeding. Lymphedema symptoms do not include bruising and subcutaneous bleeding. Lipedema does not have pitting edema as a symptom. See How Lymphedema is Diagnosed Lymphedema does have pitting edea as a diagnostic indicator. Lipedema does not have Stemmer’s sign as a symptom. Lymphedema does have Stemmer’s sign as a diagnostic indicator. Diagnostic Errors Obesity due to gaining excess weight is a common complication of lipedema. As more weight is gained, additional stresses are placed on all of the body systems. However, diet is not the answer to the problem! Although patients are told that they are fat and should loose weight, the fatty tissue of lipedema cannot be significantly decreased by diet. Obesity, caused by overeating, responds to a proper dietary regime: lipedema does not. As the swelling progresses so that the ankles and feet are affected, often the assumption is that the patient has primary lipedema. This is not accurate, this swelling is due to secondary lymphedema that is damage the lymphatic flow due to the pressures caused by the limpedema. This is a co-mobidity known as lipo-lymphedema. Lipo-lymphedema can also develop in combination with chronic venous insufficiency, idiopathic edema, and other vascular disorders. The Treatment of Lipedema At this time there is no effective treatment for lipedema. Evaluation by an endocrinologist, and the treatment of endocrine imbalances, may help. When lymphedema is also present, treating that condition can also help. Weight control, without drastic dieting, can help to prevent other conditions associated with obesity. Water exercises are helpful since the support of the water eases the strain on the joints. It is also relaxing and makes movements easier. What about Liposuction? Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excessive fat from under the skin. Liposuction has been studied as a potential treatment of lipedema; however, it is not accepted for this purpose because of the risk that such surgery can make the condition worse. [2] Although often perceived as being minor cosmetic surgery, this is not true of liposuction. It is an invasive procedure that cannot be performed without causing additional damage to the lymphatic system that can make the condition worse. When lymphedema is already present, there is also the increased risk of infection or poor healing after this surgery. What about Gastric Bypass? Gastric bypass surgery is performed to bring about the loss of body weight; however when this patient has lipedema, the weight will not be lost in the areas affected by that condition. When gross obesity is present, such surgery may be necessary; however, it is unrealistic to expect a reduction in the fatty areas of the hips and legs. What Can Help? When lipedema and lymphedema are present concurrently, the lymphedema therapist must balance the needs of both conditions. Because of the pain associated with lipedema,manual lymph drainage using only very light strokes is used initially. These gentle strokes open the superficial lymphatics, which are located just under the skin, and decrease the pain by clearing blocked draining areas and clogged lymph nodes. After several sessions, when the pain is less, the therapist can begin working on the affected limbs. Bandaging and compression garments are not applied until the patient is able to tolerate this compression without pain. Some researchers believe that once the patient can tolerate compression, this may help to reduce the amount of fat that is present. References [1] "Understanding Lipedema" by G. Klose and R. StröBenreuther. Lymph Link. Vol 19, No 1 January-March 2007, pages 1-3. [2] "Lipedema" in The Lymphatic Continuum Revisited by S. G. Rockson ed.Annals of the New York Academy, Vol 1131 2008, page 165, [3] Lipedema by Dr. Tony Reid [4] Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, A. Vinjé-Harrewijn PT, CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes, 2005, pages 86-89. [5] Lymphedema, Lipedema, and the Open Wound: the role of compression therapy.” by J.M. Macdonald, et al. Surg Clin North Am. 2003 Jun;83(3):639-58. [6] “What is lipedema?” by K.Thrift. Lymph Link Question Corner, Vol 19, No 1, January-March 2007, page 12. [7] “Patient Perspective” by R. Morris. Lymph Link. Vol 19, No 1, January-March 2007, pages 24. [8] Tilly Smidt on Lipedema [9] Weighed Down by Pain © LymphNotes.com 2010. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified professional. HONcode: This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Lymph Notes Forums This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional. © 2003-2011 by Lymph Notes®, all rights reserved." |
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