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Today, the lipedema it is still a great unknown to most people. This diagnosis consists of spread and swelling of fat cells, creating a shape disproportionate mainly on hips and thighs with the rest of the body.
Recent studies show that between 4% and 11% of women suffer from this disease worldwide. However, due to its great ignorance it is often confused with other pathologies such as obesity or lymphedema.
Therefore, from the website of Lipepedia we want to answer all those frequent questions about this disease.
Frequently asked questions about lipepedia
What are the reasons for lipedema?
The causes of lipedema are still uncertain. What is clear is that it is due to the increase in fat cells, both in number and size.
Some studies believe that it is due to a hormonal component, especially estrogens and another genetic component.
It could also be the creation of substances called cytokines that leak into the blood system. This causes cells to enlarge, to which the body responds by producing more cells.
What are the symptoms?
Although the most obvious is the inflation of some body areas and disproportion compared to others, there are other symptoms that progress in time:
- Fat accumulation in the upper part of the ankles, and therefore, increase in this area.
- Sensation of pressure in the calf area.
- Feeling of heaviness and pain.
- Itching and bruising.
- Limitation of mobility.
What tests are done to detect it?
Usually a Clinical examination of the patient, especially analyzing the legs. They are also made ultrasounds Y ultrasound elastometry.
What specialist should treat it?
There is no specific specialist who treats it. In most cases they are specialists in general, plastic, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. Also physical therapists when appropriate.
What is the difference between lipedema and obesity?
Although obesity is also a disease due to excess fat, the difference is that it is diagnosed when it appears anywhere on the body, while lipepedia only appears in the legs Y arms.
What about lymphedema and lipedema?
On many occasions, it is confused with lymphedema, preventing the real diagnosis from being made. The difference is that lymphedema also causes swelling but this is in a symmetrical. However, lipedema is asymmetric: one leg is usually more swollen than the other.
How can lipedema be cured?
The way to definitively cure this disease is with a surgical intervention, which is known as liposuction. It consists of a surgical treatment in which the fat is removed. In this way, blood and lymphatic circulation is optimized and causes the disease to be permanently eliminated or the pain to decrease considerably. In addition, there are other conventional methods with which it is not necessary to go through the operating room.
What non-surgical treatments can alleviate lipedema?
There are a number of conventional treatments that can help lessen the effects or relieve pain associated with the symptoms of this disease. Some of them are:
- The pressotherapy: It consists of a technique in which lymphatic drainage is used, that is, to cause transformations in the circulatory system and to optimize the elimination of liquids, toxins and accumulated fats in the body.
- The compression socks: they are elastic fabrics, as if they were socks, as their name indicates, that press the blood vessels of the parts of the body where they are used to improve the circulatory system, especially for the veins.
It is also convenient to carry out sport moderate, especially those who are in the water, such as aquagym. Likewise, it must be taken into account that these treatments do not achieve the same results in terms of fat loss compared to surgery.
Is your diet important?
Yes, there are some foods that are not recommended to include in the diet because they can increase bad fats. However, there are others that They favor the reduction of pain due to their properties.
For more information on the lipedema visit the rest of the sections of our web or get in Contact with us, we will be happy to answer all your questions.
