Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of suggested physical therapy protocol in lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs. Twenty female patients with stage I lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs ranged in age from 30 to 45years. They received a complete decongestive physical therapy program and diet regimen. Body Mass Index (BMI) of all patients was assessed before and after the treatment program. Lower limb volumes were assessed for all patients before and after treatment by using volumetric measurement. The patients received diet regimen plus complete decongestive physical therapy program for sixty minutes three times weekly for six months and pneumatic compression for thirty minutes three time weekly for six months. The results revealed a significant improvement (P<0.05) in BMI and the lower limb volumes. It could be concluded that, suggested physical therapy protocol consisting of a complete decongestive physical therapy program and diet regimen had an effect in the treatment of lipomatosis dolorosa of the legs in females.
Highlights
Lipomatosis dolorosa is a chronic disease of lipid metabolism marked by a bilateral and symmetrical swelling of the lower extremities caused by the impairment of symmetrical fatty tissue distribution and storage combined with hyperplasia of individual fat cells
The most striking visual symptom is the disproportion between the upper and lower body due to the pathological fat deposits. It is unclear whether this is a hypertrophy of the fat cells, hyperplasia or a combination of the two
BMI (Body Mass Index); this index is calculated by dividing the weight in kilogram by the height in squared meter
Summary
Lipomatosis dolorosa (lipedema) is a chronic disease of lipid metabolism marked by a bilateral and symmetrical swelling of the lower extremities caused by the impairment of symmetrical fatty tissue distribution and storage combined with hyperplasia of individual fat cells. It can be diagnosed using clinical features rather than diagnostic tests [1]. The most striking visual symptom is the disproportion between the upper and lower body due to the pathological fat deposits It is unclear whether this is a hypertrophy of the fat cells, hyperplasia or a combination of the two. Another important factor is increased capillary permeability, which leads to the increased accumulation of fluid and protein in the interstitium, causing orthostatic edema [3,5]
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