7 Easy Steps to Self-Diagnose Your Lipoedema

Lipoedema is a subcutaneous fat disorder also referred to as lower body lipodystrophy that is characteristically symmetrical. It is unlike normal fat in that it does not respond to diet and exercise. The condition is aggravated by any of the following hormonal transition – puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Common symptoms include pain or aching, tenderness, easy bruising and swelling which is worse as the day goes by.

Step 1: Visual Assessment

The initial step during self-evaluation for lipoedema is to perform a visual assessment of your body. Look at yourself in a full-length mirror and scrutinize your torso, arms, hips, and legs. Pay special attention to the legs and hips for any disproportionate fat distribution. Lipoedema fat is characterized by bulging, irregular contours of fatty tissues that lie beneath the skin. This fat is usually symmetrical on both sides of the body. 

Step 2: Check for Tenderness

Begin to apply gentle pulses of pressure to your arms, legs, and even the hips. In most cases, areas affected by lipoedema tend to be tender to touch and can be quite painful when pressure is applied. Along with the fat deposits, this tenderness is a critical factor for diagnosing lipoedema and differentiating it from other conditions such as obesity. 

Step 3: Assess for Swelling

Another symptom which is often associated with lipoedema is the presence of swelling, or oedema. Do you regular notice your legs or arms? Look closely to see if there are any differences that may imply swelling. Often this condition heightens with the progress of the day and improves with rest and elevation.

Step 4: Assess the Condition of The Skin

Skin changes can occur with lipoedema. The skin covering lipoedema fat may feel firm and have nodules, like beans in a bean bag. You may also observe a lot of bulges and larger valleys, which gives the skin an uneven look. These are more severe changes than those noticed with cellulite.

Step 5: Record What You Have Seen

Be certain to jot down what you’ve gaining insight into. Whether it’s capturing symptoms through photographs or simply creating a checklist, whatever was observed is better documented somehow. When voicing concerns, this can be beneficial in explaining your symptoms to a medical practitioner. It serves as a source for important details and provides help when a diagnosis needs to be made.

Step 6: Take Into Account Family History

Like many other conditions, lipoedema runs in families so bear in mind what your family history is. If female relatives have suffered from these symptoms, chances of having lipoedema are higher for you. Understanding this information can support the evaluation a healthcare professional will provide, in addition to providing comprehension of what your risk factors are.

Step 7: Consult A Healthcare Professional

Going through self-diagnosis can be beneficial, but only a clinical diagnosis will clarify the issue and exclude any other concerns. Ensure you speak to your aesthetic doctor or lipoedema specialist so that they can do a physical examination, take your medical history, and even request some imaging studies to evaluate the severity of fat deposits. 

In summary, to self-diagnose lipoedema, one needs to go through these steps that help pinpoint the distinctive symptoms associated with it. You self-examined yourself and noted the swelling, tenderness, and various other findings to help paint a clearer picture. Nonetheless, to confirm your findings, it is essential that you approach a qualified aesthetic doctor or surgeon for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Lipoedema can be easily managed, and with early diagnosis and treatment, the results can be much better than expected.

For more information and expert advice, contact our lipoedema specialist in UK – Dr Purbey.