Lipedema is a fat distribution disorder that only affects women and, unfortunately, is still not recognized by many doctors. It manifests itself predominantly in the extremities (arms and legs), often resulting in a collar-like thickening of the ankles and wrists. The hands and feet are not affected. As the disorder progresses, the tissue grows and hardens with chronic changes. The disorder is associated with pain and a tendency to hematoma, in addition to movement restrictions.
This clinical picture is divided into 3 stages:
Stage 1: fine-boned skin surface
Stage 2: coarse, knotty skin surface with strong dents
Stage 3: hardened, deformed tissue and pronounced fat bulges