Symptoms of Lipedema

Have you been dealing with persistent swelling in your legs, especially in the thighs and calves? Do your legs feel heavy, achy, or painful, even when you haven’t been active? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of a condition called Lipedema.

Lipedema is a chronic condition characterized by an abnormal build-up of fatty tissue in the legs and sometimes arms. It primarily affects women and is often mistaken for simple obesity or regular weight gain. However, Lipedema is a separate and distinct medical condition that can significantly impact a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

Symptoms of Lipedema may include:

Swelling in the legs, thighs, arms

Disproportionately large or heavy legs compared to the upper body

Pain or tenderness in the affected areas

Easy bruising

Sensitivity to touch

Development of fibrosis (hardened tissue)

Getting Diagnosed with Lipedema

If you suspect that you may have Lipedema based on your symptoms, it is important to have a clinical diagnosis by a lipedema physician. Diagnosis should be reached in the context of a thorough patient history and physical exam.

Patient History

Clinicians should complete a detailed history with the patient, taking note if the following symptoms are reported:

Family history of similar body type

Difficulty losing fat in affected areas

Onset/worsening at time of hormonal change

Pain, tenderness, heaviness, fatigue in affected areas

Easy tendency to bruise

Decreased functional ability (including mobility)

Decreased quality of life

History of joint issues

Diagnosis From Marcia Byrd, M.D.

In order to file for any medical insurance, it is mandatory that you have an inperson consultation with Dr. Byrd.
She will conduct a physical examination to assess the size, shape, and texture of the affected areas
Medical history review to understand any underlying conditions or family history of Lipedema

VISUAL INSPECTION

Bilateral, symmetrical fat accumulation that can appear in a combination of the legs, buttocks, hips, arms and/or lower trunk

Disproportion between upper and lower body

Lobules of fat may present at hips, medial knees, lateral malleoli, or above elbows

Presence of “cuffs” at wrists and ankles

Presence of spider veins/varicosities

Presence of nodular and/or fibrotic texture in affected areas

Lipedema Lady, you can do this!

DR. Marcia Byrd can help you regain your life

Dr. Byrd is an internationally acclaimed lipedema surgeon. She is a specialist in the treatment of lipedema. She has the experience and expertise to help you achieve long-term benefits.

Dr. Marcia Byrd and her team of experts care for lipedema patients throughout the United States and Canada. If you suspect that you suffer from lipedema, call (770) 587-1711 and schedule a consultation. Be the best you can be and live a full life – there is no reason to wait!

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It's Not Your Fault!