Lipedema | |
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Other names | Lipoedema, lipödem, lipalgia, adiposalgia, adipoalgesia, adiposis dolorosa, lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs, lipohypertrophy dolorosa, painful column leg, painful lipedema syndrome |
Lipedema, type III, stage 1. | |
Specialty | Vascular medicine |
Symptoms | Increased fat deposits under the skin in the legs, increased extracellular fluid, inflammation,[1] easy bruising, pain[2] |
Causes | Unknown[2] |
Risk factors | Family member with the condition[3] |
Differential diagnosis | Lipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema[2] |
Treatment | Physiotherapy, exercise[2] compression stockings, emollients, liposuction[3] |
Frequency | Up to 11% of women[2] |
Lipedema is a condition that is almost exclusively found in women[3] and results in enlargement of both legs due to deposits of fat under the skin.[2] Women of any weight may be affected[2][3] and the fat is resistant to traditional weight-loss methods.[4] There is no cure and typically it gets worse over time, pain may be present, and people bruise more easily.[2] Over time mobility may be reduced, and due to reduced quality of life, people often experience depression.[3] In severe cases the trunk and upper body may be involved.[2]
The cause is unknown but is believed to involve genetic and hormonal factors that regulate the lymphatic system, thus blocking the return of fats to the bloodstream.[2] It often runs in families.[2][3] Other conditions that may present similarly include lipohypertrophy, chronic venous insufficiency, and lymphedema.[2] It is commonly misdiagnosed.[5]
The condition is resistant to weight loss methods; however, unlike other fat it is not associated with an increased risks of diabetes or cardiovascular disease.[4] Physiotherapy may help to preserve mobility. Exercise may help with overall fitness but will not prevent the progression of the disease.[2] Compression stockings can help with pain and make walking easier.[3] Regularly moisturising with emollients protects the skin and prevents it from drying out.[3] Liposuction can help if the symptoms are particularly severe.[3] While surgery can remove fat tissue it can also damage lymphatic vessels.[2] Treatment does not typically result in complete resolution.[6] It is estimated to affect up to 11% of women.[2] Onset is typically during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.[2]
pmid22301856
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