The Relationship Between Central Sensitization, Pain, and Psychosocial Factors in Individuals With Lipedema

The Relationship Between Central Sensitization, Pain, and Psychosocial Factors in Individuals With Lipedema: A Cross-Sectional Study

This cross-sectional study will include women aged 18-75 with clinically diagnosed lipedema and healthy controls. Sociodemographic and clinical data will be collected, and participants will complete the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Pain pressure thresholds (PPT) will be assessed using a digital algometer at the middle deltoid, lateral thigh, and medial knee, with three measurements taken at each site and the average recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically diagnosed with lipedema
• Aged between 18 and 75 years
• Provided voluntary informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatologic disorders, or malignancy
• Presence of neurological disorders (e.g., polyneuropathy, multiple sclerosis, history of stroke)
• Currently under active psychiatric treatment Pregnancy
• History of lower extremity surgery or major trauma within the past 6 months
• Received injection therapy or physical therapy for the lower extremities within the past 6 -months
• History of infection or active dermatological disease affecting the lower extremities