affected by lipedema. Then symmetrical fat deposits also appear on the upper and lower arms, while the hands and fingers remain slim. <\/span><\/p>\nThe symmetry is crucial: Both legs (and possibly both arms) are evenly thickened. This bilateral distribution and the sparing of hands and feet clearly distinguishes lipedema from other diseases. So if you <\/span>uniform fat pads<\/b> on the legs or arms that do not match the rest of the body could be an indication of lipoedema.<\/span><\/p>\nHematomas and sensitivity – warning signs of the disease<\/b><\/h3>\n
Another <\/span>warning signal<\/b> are <\/span>conspicuously frequent bruising<\/b> on legs or arms. Lipedema patients tend to <\/span>hematomas<\/b> (bruising) can develop. <\/span> <\/p>\nThe small blood capillaries in the diseased fatty tissue are more fragile; even a slight bump \u2013 which you may not even consciously notice \u2013 can cause a visible bruise. So if you find that you <\/span>get bruises disproportionately often<\/b> on your legs without remembering an injury, you should be alert.<\/span><\/p>\nAt the same time, the skin in the affected areas is often <\/span>hypersensitive<\/b>. Many sufferers report that even gentle touches or light pressure <\/span>unpleasant or painful<\/b> are. <\/span> <\/p>\nThis combination of <\/span>rapid bruising and high sensitivity to touch<\/b> is typical of lipedema. As a rule, these signs are not found in simple obesity. So, should you notice unexplained hematomas and your legs are sensitive to touch and painfully tense, this is a clear indication that a doctor should clarify. <\/span><\/p>\nAn early lipoedema diagnosis can confirm whether these warning signs are actually due to lipoedema – and helps to avoid misdiagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\nMedical diagnostic procedures for lipedema<\/b><\/h2>\n
The diagnosis of lipedema is primarily clinical \u2013 a special laboratory test or individual marker does not exist. Therefore, a detailed discussion with the patient and a careful physical examination are crucial. <\/span><\/p>\nTypical findings and simple clinical tests help to differentiate lipoedema from other diseases. <\/span>Imaging procedures<\/b> such as ultrasound, CT or MRI are only useful in certain cases, usually to rule out concomitant diseases.<\/span><\/p>\nMedical history & consultation – focus on your complaints<\/b><\/h3>\n
At the beginning there is a detailed <\/span>anamnesis<\/b>, in which the doctor asks about the medical history and current complaints. The discussion will include topics such as <\/span>since when<\/b> the changes have existed and whether there were any triggering factors – lipoedema often occurs for the first time during hormonal upheaval phases such as <\/span>puberty, pregnancy or the menopause<\/b> occurs. <\/span> <\/p>\nIt is also important to know whether other <\/span>family members<\/b> (mother, grandmother) had similar fat distribution problems. A central topic is the <\/span>Symptoms<\/b>Lipedema patients often report <\/span>pain, a feeling of pressure or heaviness<\/b> in the legs, sometimes spontaneous, sometimes when touched. <\/span> <\/p>\nThe pain is categorized more precisely (e.g. dull aching or stabbing, pain scale) and the patient is asked whether <\/span>sensitivity to pressure<\/b> exists and how pronounced it is. Also a noticeable <\/span>Tendency to bruising<\/b> (hematomas) without adequate trauma is a typical sign that is asked about.<\/span><\/p>\nAnother criterion in the conversation is the <\/span>distribution of the swellings<\/b>If the fat pads occur <\/span>symmetrical<\/b> on both legs (and possibly arms)? Stay <\/span>Feet and hands<\/b> free? Lipedema almost always affects both legs (and often both arms) evenly, while the feet\/toes remain slim. <\/span><\/p>\nIn contrast to lymphoedema, for example, lipoedema symptoms do not <\/span>do not depend on the time of day or elevation<\/b> to or from \u2013 that is, the leg circumferences are not significantly different in the morning than in the evening. These details are asked in order to differentiate lipedema from venous or lymphatic edema. <\/span><\/p>\nIt is also asked whether the legs feel noticeably thinner in the morning and swell during the course of the day – an indication that would speak against lipedema and rather point to other types of edema.<\/span><\/p>\nThe medical history also includes <\/span>Weight and nutritional history<\/b>. The patient is asked whether <\/span>overweight<\/b> is or has been in the past <\/span>Diets<\/b> were tried and with what success. Typically, lipoedema sufferers report that they <\/span>retain their disproportionately thick legs\/arms despite losing weight<\/span><\/i> \u2013 losing weight is extremely difficult in the lipedema areas. As a result, a disproportion between a slim upper body and strong legs often remains. <\/span><\/p>\nThis information helps to distinguish lipedema from pure obesity. In addition, the doctor inquires about the <\/span>Psychosocial stress level<\/b>The unusual body shape and chronic pain often lead to psychological stress, self-esteem problems or social withdrawal. <\/span> <\/p>\nTherefore, questions are asked about mood, possible depression or anxieties that go hand in hand with the body image. All of this information together \u2013 family predisposition, hormonal triggers, typical pain, tendency to hematomas, diet resistance and psychological effects \u2013 already provide important clues to lipedema in the conversation.<\/span><\/p>\nPhysical examination – inspection & palpation<\/b><\/h3>\n
The medical history is followed by a thorough <\/span>physical examination<\/b>. First, general values are recorded: Blood pressure, pulse and body measurements (weight, height) to calculate the <\/span>BMI<\/b> and measurement of the <\/span>waist-to-hip or waist-to-height ratio<\/b>to assess possible overweight and fat distribution. <\/span> <\/p>\nLipoedema patients usually show a clear <\/span>difference<\/b> between a slim upper body and voluminous legs\/hips – the proportions appear <\/span>dysproportional<\/b>. The doctor pays attention to the <\/span>Examination<\/b> (observation) in particular on this disproportionate fat accumulation in the extremities. <\/span> <\/p>\nAn abrupt transition at the ankles and wrists is often noticeable. <\/span>Feet and hands are slender<\/b>while the tissue directly above is more extensive (so-called <\/span>collar phenomenon<\/b>). This sharp end of the fat increase at the ankles is characteristic of lipedema.<\/span><\/p>\nAlso the <\/span>skin surface<\/b> is examined closely. Often shows a <\/span>finely knotted structure of the skin<\/b> – colloquially <\/span>Orange peel skin (cellulite)<\/b> \u2013 especially in early stages. In advanced stages, the dents can <\/span>become coarser<\/b> and resemble a <\/span>mattress pattern<\/b> reminiscent of a mattress pattern. <\/span> <\/p>\nWith increasing fat accumulation <\/span>bulges or lobes<\/b> arise, e.g. on the insides of the thighs or knees. The skin over the lipedema area is often rather <\/span>cool<\/b> and pale (no overheating) and shows fine bluish veins <\/span>veins (spider veins\/telangiectasia)<\/b>. <\/span> <\/p>\nA very important sign is the <\/span>Tendency to hematomas<\/b>: Even minor bumps lead to bruises in lipedema patients. This is due to the increased fragility of the capillaries in the diseased fatty tissue. <\/span><\/p>\nThe presence of numerous hematoma spots on the legs or arms thus supports the suspected diagnosis of lipedema. In contrast, skin inflammations, hardening or open areas typically do not occur in pure lipedema <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> If it does, secondary lymphoedema may already be involved.<\/span><\/p>\nThe next step is <\/span>palpation<\/b>, i.e. palpating the affected areas. In lipedema, the subcutaneous fatty tissue usually feels <\/span>soft to doughy<\/b> often with fine <\/span>nodular structures<\/b> under the skin. Patients sometimes describe the palpable feeling as if <\/span>“little polystyrene balls”<\/span><\/i> can be felt under the surface of the skin. <\/span> <\/p>\nBy pressing gently, the examiner can determine whether and where <\/span>pressure pain<\/b>