Lipedema is often misdiagnosed, resulting in treatment delays and recommendations for lifestyle changes – such as diet and exercise – that are ineffective in improving the condition. With years of experience working with lipedema patients, Dr. Larson is capable of quickly making an accurate diagnosis and composing an effective treatment plan that can deliver the relief you need as soon as possible.
Dr. Larson diagnoses lipedema with a physical examination, along with a thorough discussion about your medical history.
During the appointment, Dr. Larson will look for the following telltale signs of lipedema:
Because of the prevalence of lipedema misdiagnoses, it’s important for patients to be their own advocates by knowing what the condition looks like.
As a general rule, we have found the following to be true of typical lipedema sufferers:
After evaluating the areas of concern, Dr. Larson will ask questions about your condition, such as:
Because lipedema is poorly understood even by medical professionals, it is commonly misdiagnosed. Here’s a look at the two conditions that are most commonly confused for lipedema: lymphedema and obesity:
Lymphedema is swelling that occurs in one or both of your arms and legs. The most common cause is the removal of or damage to the lymph nodes during cancer treatment. However, the condition can also develop as a complication of lipedema.
Unlike lipedema, lymphedema can occur in both men and women, the area does not bruise easily, and there is no pain in the early stages. The feet are affected first, followed by the legs. In addition, Stemmer’s Sign is present with lymphedema, which is a thickened skin fold at the base of the second toe or second finger. Many patients have a family history and the condition does not improve with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Obesity is a complex condition that involves an excessive amount of body fat. The main symptom is a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The condition increases your risk of a number of serious diseases and health problems. Although there are genetic and hormonal components, the condition is generally caused by inactivity and unhealthy eating habits.
Many of our clients are initially told that they are simply obese before receiving a proper diagnosis of lipedema. Unlike lipedema, obesity can affect men or women, can occur at any time throughout your life, and is positively influenced by diet and exercise. It also affects the entire body – not just the legs. There is no pain, the area doesn’t bruise easily, and Stemmer’s Sign is absent.
Located in the central courtyard of the historic Casas Adobes Plaza, our office is charming, relaxing, and has plenty of space for our advanced, cutting-edge devices. Our office is an oasis where patients receive exceptional care in a comfortable atmosphere, with the best technology available. This wonderful refuge is our offering to craft experience where the ease and satisfaction of our patients and clients are the highest priority.
