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How to Spot if I have Lipedema? Self-Diagnosing Lipedema at Home
Lipedema may look like obesity, but it is not a weight-related issue. While it can contribute to obesity and a person with obesity can also have lipedema, they are not related and are two separate conditions.
Unlike obesity, which can be managed through diet and exercise, lipedema does not appear to respond to these interventions in the same way.
Due to the similarity in appearance, lipedema is also often mistaken for excessive lymphedema or cellulite.
So, how do you spot if you have lipedema, and how do you self-diagnose lipedema in the comfort of your own home?
Symptoms of lipedema | How to spot if you have lipedema in the arms and/or legs?
Lipedema is an abnormal fat build-up medical condition that usually affects women.
It is characterised by the uneven distribution and disproportionate accumulation of fat and its supporting connective tissues.
The areas most commonly affected include the legs, arms, and buttocks, causing a disproportionate appearance compared to the other parts of the body.
Lipedema is classified into four stages based on the severity of symptoms and appearance and is categorised into five types according to the location of the fat deposits.
| Lipedema Symptoms | Lipedema in the arms | Lipedema in the legs |
|---|---|---|
| Body part affected | Arm lipedema is uncommon, but when it occurs, it usually affects the upper arms. Swelling may also occur in the lower arms but never affects the hands. Can occur in one or both arms. |
Hips, inner thighs, outer thighs, calves, buttocks, and ankles but not the feet. Lipedema in the legs often show a column-like appearance. Can occur in one or both legs. |
| Dimpled skin | The skin may appear dimpled or uneven in more severe cases. | Dimpling may be more noticeable as the severity of lipedema increases |
| Loose skin | Lipedema can lead to the formation of ample folds of skin. | This condition can cause loose skin, with fat protruding from the limbs. |
| How it feels | The affected areas may feel cool and "spongy" when touched. | Affected areas feel 'spongy' and cool; the skin is soft and may appear dimply. |
| Bruising | The skin can bruise easily, even from minor bumps, making it fragile. | May develop bruises readily with minimal impact in the affected areas. |
| Varicose or spider veins | No visible veins in the arms. | May experience small varicose or spider veins in the areas. |
| Swell, pain, tenderness and fatigue | The arms may appear swollen and disproportionately larger than the rest of the body. It can be sensitive to touch or pressure, with pain that varies from dull to sharp. |
Swelling may worsen in the afternoon or evening, after physical activity, or under hot weather. You feel a heavy sensation in the legs, which can be tender and painful to touch. |
| Limited mobility | The limbs may feel tight and heavy, even with minimal physical exertion. The pain and swelling can make movement challenging. |
Enlargement of the legs, along with pain, may hinder mobility. It also contributes to low self-esteem and anxiety, restricting social life. |
| Impact on quality of life | Contributes to low self-esteem and poor wellbeing. Affects mobility and participation in activities, even in performing daily tasks. |
The disproportionate body can make finding and wearing clothes challenging. Highly likely to cause poor self-confidence and negative self-image. |
What are the early signs of lipedema in the arms and legs?
The early signs of lipedema in the arms can include:
- disproportionate increases in arm circumference
- pain
- tenderness
- easy bruising
- sensitivity to touch or pressure
- heaviness in the affected areas
Early signs of lipedema in the legs may show:
- symmetrical swelling
- a "spongy" or cool sensation in the affected areas
- easy bruising
- upper body is much smaller than the affected legs
Self-diagnosing lipedema at home with the pinch test
The only way to self-diagnose lipedema is through a pinch test.
The pinch test for lipedema involves gently pinching the affected area. The goal of the pinch test is to assess the skin texture, pain response, and how the tissue feels.
During the pinch test, if the affected area has any pain or feels different in texture compared to other areas of your body, you may be suffering from lipedema.
However, the pinch test should not be regarded as a definitive diagnosis.
Limitations of the Lipedema Pinch Test
The lipedema pinch test is easy to do at home, but it is not entirely reliable. Many factors can affect the results, such as how severe the lipedema is and whether it overlaps with other conditions.
The symptoms of lipedema can also look like other skin concerns or medical conditions. Because of these limitations, you should not rely only on this test.
If the test suggests you might have lipedema, it is important to seek a professional opinion for further evaluation and an accurate diagnosis.
What can be mistaken for lipedema?
Lipedema can be mistaken for a variety of conditions. It can also be confused with other fat disorders.
Besides obesity and cellulite, here is a list of conditions that can be confused with lipedema.
| Lymphedema | Lipedema and lymphedema both cause swelling, but their causes are different. Lipedema occurs when fat builds up abnormally, while lymphedema results from fluid buildup in the lymphatic system. |
| Madelung's Disease | This disease involves painful lumps called lipomas, similar to the fat lumps seen in lipedema. |
| Dercum's Disease | Dercum's disease leads to painful lipomas, which are fatty lumps between the skin and muscle layers, which can be confused with lipedema. |
| Acquired Lipodystrophy | This condition causes fat loss or changes in fat distribution and can look like lipedema. |
| Fibromyalgia | Those with lipedema may be misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia because they have similar symptoms, like pain and fatigue. |
| Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) | CVI causes leg swelling due to poor blood circulation, but it can easily be distinguished from lipedema by other symptoms, such as varicose veins. |
Diagnosis of lipedema in Singapore
Lipedema is generally diagnosed through a physical examination, where the doctor looks for specific signs associated with the condition, such as an abnormal fat buildup of fat in the legs, arms, hips or buttocks.
On top of the physical exam, the doctor will take a detailed medical history. This includes asking about the patient's symptoms, family history, and any previous diagnoses related to swelling or fat distribution.
Since there is no single test to confirm lipedema, physicians also consider other conditions resembling it.
By evaluating these factors, doctors can arrive at a more accurate diagnosis.
Treatments for lipedema in Singapore
Unlike fat gain, the fat build-up in a patient with lipedema cannot be reduced with a calorie-deficit diet and regular exercise.
| Diet change | Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help to lessen inflammation in the affected fat cells. |
| Compression | Wearing medical compression garments can compress the affected areas to manage the debilitating pain. |
| Exercise | Low-impact aerobic exercises increase lymphatic drainage and improve blood circulation in the affected limbs. |
| Massage | Manual lymphatic drainage massages improve blood flow throughout the entire body, thus reducing pain and unblocking the lymph fluid. |
| Liposuction |
Lipedema Surgery using the MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo Technique effectively removes fat pockets, reduces swelling, and relieves pain for patients. Invented by Dr Ivan Puah, this novel liposuction method employs a three-dimensional body sculpting and fat removal approach that uses specialised cannulas and tumescent anaesthesia to protect the lymphatic system from damage. Lipedema Surgery not only aims for aesthetic improvements but it also greatly enhances patients' overall well-being and quality of life. The procedure provides lasting pain relief, boosts mobility, and allows patients to lead a more active lifestyle. |
Objectives of the lipedema surgery treatment can be different for each patient depending on the severity of the condition and the location of the affected area.
Understanding each patient’s needs is imperative to offer the best treatment that meets patient requirements to promote a better quality of life.
FAQ on lipedema in Singapore
What not to do when you have lipedema?
To manage lipedema, avoid activities like high-impact exercises and unhealthy food choices such as high-glycemic foods, processed foods, and drinking too much alcohol that can make symptoms worse.
Be careful with non-invasive treatments like cryolipolysis (fat freezing), as it could worsen the condition.
What is the life expectancy of someone with lipedema?
Lipedema mainly affects the quality of life by causing pain, mobility issues and disfigurement, but it is generally not life-threatening.
What worsens lipedema?
Lipedema is a long-lasting condition that cannot be cured. However, early treatment can prevent it from getting worse. Many patients may also face obesity and distress, which can make the condition and complications worse.
How do you stop lipedema from progressing?
Key strategies to stop lipedema from progressing include:
- eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly
- keeping a healthy weight
- seeking early treatments, depending on how severe your symptoms are and how they affect your daily life
What is the root cause of lipedema?
Lipedema occurs almost only in women, suggesting that female hormones may play a role in its development. It may also run in families, as many patients report difficulty losing weight in the lower body.
What happens if lipedema is left untreated?
Lipedema can worsen if not treated, leading to complications such as pain and reduced mobility.