STAGES OF LIPEDEMA At this time, there are four recognized stages of Lipedema. As with many other diseases that use a staging structure to determine treatment, lipedema staging ranges from mild to extreme as follows:
STAGE I— The skin in the affected area is soft and smooth. Swelling increases during the day, but typically resolves with rest and elevation. There is at buildup around pelvis, buttocks, and hips.
WHAT IS LIPEDEMA? A chronic, progressive disorder of the connective tissue that causes an abnormal buildup of fat cells, most often in the hips, thighs, legs, and sometimes arms. It is painful, causes easy bruising, and does not respond to diet or exercise.
WHO IT AFFECTS:
• Almost exclusively women
• Often begins / worsens with hormonal changes( puberty, pregnancy, menopause)
• Estimated to affect up to 11 % of women worldwide
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
• Disproportionate lower body compared to upper body
• Chronic pain, heaviness, or swelling in the legs / arms
• Easy bruising
• Fat that is resistant to diet / exercise
• Mobility issues as the condition progresses
WHY AWARENESS MATTERS: Most women with lipedema go decades without a diagnosis, often being told their symptoms are simply weight-related. Early diagnosis can slow progression and improve quality of life.
WHERE TO LEARN MORE
• The Lipedema Foundation: www. lipedema. org
• Lipedema Simplified( education & support): www. lipedema-simplified. org
• The Lipedema Project: www. lipedemaproject. org
STAGE 2— The skin develops indentations and the subcutaneous tissue starts to feel more tough and nodular. Lipomas( fatty lumps between your skin and the underlying muscle layer) may appear. Large fatty deposits begin to form on the upper and lower legs and around the ankles. Eczema and skin infections( erysipelas) may also be present. While swelling increases during the day, as in stage 1, it is less affected by rest and elevation.
STAGE 3— There is more hardening of connective tissues and the swelling becomes consistently present and does not resolve with rest and elevation. Large masses of skin and fat cause deformations in the thighs and knees.
STAGE 4— Lymphedema occurs. This stage is also called Lipo-Lymphedema. Larger masses of skin and fat overhang and the swelling is consistently present. Fibrosclerosis, possibly elephantiasis. Legs can become stiff and lymph fluid can begin to leak from lymphatic vessels.
TYPES OF LIPEDEMA Medical professionals categorize lipedema into five different types based on where it is in the body. The type of lipedema is based on the distribution of the fat. Some people have a combination of types, commonly Type II and IV or Type III and IV. Type V is very rare.
TYPE I In the area of the buttocks and hips( Saddle bag or jodhpur phenomenon)
TYPE II Buttocks to knees, with formation of folds of fat around the inner side of the knees
TYPE III Buttocks to ankles TYPE IV Arms TYPE V Knees to Ankle www. kidslifemagazine. com
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