Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on Wound Care in Those With Lipedema
Lipedema is a medical condition that occurs nearly always in women; it’s known for a buildup of fat tissue in the legs and arms and has no cure. Management of the condition is key, as it can eventually lead to serious complications that include possible severe pain, psychosocial issues, fatigue, and infection.
Many confuse lipedema with obesity, but they are different. Fat from being overweight occurs throughout the body, while lipedema mostly occurs in the limbs (but not the hands and feet).
Signs of Lipedema
What causes lipedema isn’t well known, but researchers found that it either starts or worsens during periods of hormonal changes in women, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Besides fat accumulating in limbs, other signs of lipedema include:
- Heaviness in the legs
- Easy bruising
- Sensitive to the touch
- A lumpy feeling to the skin’s texture
It is often misdiagnosed for lymphedema, which is a similar condition, but the one key difference is that affects the hands and feet as well.
How to Manage Lipedema
When uncontrolled, lipedema can lead to wounds and infections under an increasing number of folds in the skin. This can lead to a host of problems that can include hospitalizations and even amputation of the limb.
When diagnosed and managed early, the severity of the condition can be lessened over time. The best way to manage lipedema is through weight control; additional weight can settle in the areas where the excess fat buildup is already taking place. Anti-inflammatory diets are also recommended, and liposuction can be a solution for some people.
To learn more about Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://schenectady-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
