Do I have lipedema? Signs, symptoms, and getting help
Lipedema legs
Tenderness and pain: The affected areas may be tender to the touch and painful, especially at the end of the day or with prolonged standing or sitting.
Easy bruising: The skin on the affected limbs may bruise easily.
Swelling: The swelling caused by lipedema is usually symmetrical and doesn’t pit (indent) when pressed.
Skin changes: The skin over the fatty areas may feel cool and doughy and have an “orange peel” texture.
Difficulty losing weight: People with lipedema may have difficulty losing weight in the affected areas, even with diet and exercise.
Fatigue: Some people with lipedema experience excessive fatigue.
Lipedema is staged based on the severity of symptoms. In stage 1, there is little to no visible swelling, but the skin may feel tender and slightly bumpy. In stage 2, the skin becomes visibly dimpled and uneven. In stage 3, the legs take on a massive, disproportionate appearance, and large folds of skin develop. In stage 4, lymphedema develops in addition to lipedema, causing further swelling and hardening of the skin.
If you think you might have lipedema, it’s important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.
tune
share
more_vert