One of the frequent complaints of women is that their legs do not look as beautiful as they would like. Lipedema is a health problem that also has a significant aesthetic impact. Know what it is, and how to recognize if you are a victim of this condition.

Lipedema What is it?

This is a clinical condition that affects the lower limbs of women. Usually little is known, doctors hardly diagnose it, and it is easily mistaken for lymphedema.

Although it is not considered a disease, it is clear that it alters the aesthetics of women, causing great social and psychological impact. It is an alteration in the volume of the lower limbs , associated with being overweight or obese.

Direct cause of the appearance of lipedema

This increase in the volume of the legs is due to the symmetrical accumulation of fatty tissue in that area. In general, women are affected and little improvement with weight loss methods.

Associated symptoms

Lipedema is associated with pain when palpating the lower limbs area. In addition, fragility in the venous capillaries that causes bleeding with minimal trauma.

The symptoms are limited to the legs and thighs, but occasionally it can affect the arms. Generally respect the foot area. In addition, it is crossed with the edema that these women may present in the legs, due to other causes.

Other symptoms that a woman with this condition may show are related to the mental sphere. For example, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, all are consequences of the aesthetic alteration that this condition produces.

How do I know if I have lipedema?

Women who have increased volume in the legs may wonder if they are presenting this health condition. Well, some indications that could guide the diagnosis are the following:

  • Strong legs from an early age.
  • Nodular or rough skin in the area of ​​the legs.
  • The fat in the legs, thighs and hips is distributed symmetrically.
  • Pain or tenderness when pressing on the leg area.
  • Inefficiency of diet or exercise to improve the condition.
  • Appearance of bruises without recognized cause.
  • Family history of similar conditions.
  • Failures in diagnosis when going to a doctor.

If you have any of these conditions or several, it is likely that you are suffering from this aesthetic condition.

How to eliminate lipedema?

One of the most frequently used methods to eliminate this health condition is liposuction. This in order to eliminate the fat that is accumulated in the lower limbs area. Additionally, the surgeon could reshape the contour of the legs, to give them a better appearance.

However, subsequent physical therapy will be the key to the improvement of the woman. This includes lymphatic drainage, if necessary; or mesotherapy. These last options are useful if the person does not want to be exposed to the surgery. However, it must be considered that for best effects, the ideal for this condition is to get in the hands of a reputable surgical specialist.

By Dr. Eric Jackson

Dr. Eric Jackson provides primary Internal Medicine care for men and women and treats patients with bone and mineral diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, and other chronic illnesses. He is a Washington University Bone Health Program physician and is a certified Bone Densitometrist. Dr. Avery is consistently recognized in "The Best Doctors in America" list.

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