Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Treatments, Causes
in Beverly Hills, CA & Tucson, AZ
Dercum’s disease is, for all intents and purposes, best classified as a syndrome of painful growths of subcutaneous fat called lipomas.
WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?
Over five million people in the United States are affected by fibromyalgia, making it one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the country. The most common side effect of this disorder is joint pain, but it can also cause chronic fatigue, memory loss, mood swings, and insufficient sleep. Despite the prevalence of the condition, it can be incredibly challenging to diagnose. In fact, because of the similarities in symptoms, many doctors often misdiagnose lipedema as fibromyalgia and inadvertently put their patients on the incorrect treatment plan, which only prolongs their discomfort.
Dr. Jaime Schwartz and Dr. Karen Herbst, along with the rest of the highly trained staff at Total Lipedema Care in Beverly Hills, CA are experts in identifying the signs and symptoms of lipedema, allowing them to quickly get you on the correct path to treatment. And while we see many patients who have been misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia, it is possible for a patient to suffer from both conditions simultaneously. Although we don’t treat fibromyalgia, we can refer you to a specialist who does.
If you think your painful symptoms may be lipedema contact us today for a consultation!
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FIBROMYALGIA VS. LIPEDEMA?
Signs of fibromyalgia can vary from case to case but usually include one or more of the following:
- Chronic fatigue: Even after long hours of sleep, many patients still find themselves tired due to pain or sleep apnea.
- Lack of focus: Patients can experience difficulty focusing and concentrating on everyday tasks due to distractions from their pain or fatigue.
- Widespread pain: Related pain can last around three months and exist on both sides of the body.
In many instances, fibromyalgia can coexist with other conditions and disorders, including migraines, painful bladder syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.
On the other hand, lipedema can cause many of these same side effects, though the root of the problem is completely different. Lipedema induces irregular deposits of fat in the legs, which can spread to the upper body if the disorder is left untreated. These pockets of fat can lead to fatigue and pain that could possibly be mischaracterized as fibromyalgia.
Although both conditions have similar symptoms, there are key differences that may help you get an accurate diagnosis.
| Symptom | Lipedema | Fibromyalgia |
| Pain | Accompanied by swelling, easy bruising, increased pressure sensitivity, and localized | Dull, achy, and widespread |
| Fatigue | Present in most cases | Sleeping for long periods of time, sleep disrupted by pain, often accompanied by sleep disorders |
| Cognitive Difficulties | Brain fog caused by inflammation | Inability to stay focused |
| Physical Changes | Symmetric swelling in legs, affected areas are sensitive to the touch and “spongy” in texture, increased swelling throughout the day | Face or jaw pain, headaches or migraines, digestive issues including diarrhea or constipation, tingling or numbness in extremities |
CAUSES AND DIAGNOSIS
Helping patients worldwide live pain-free! Patients travel from all over the U.S. and abroad to receive care from Total Lipedema’s team of leading experts who are known for offering the most advanced and effective Lipedema treatments.