Have Cellulitis In Leg. Developed Lump After Using Clindamycin. Painful To Bend Knee. Any Thoughts?

Posted on Sat, 23 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 Answered on

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My 13 year old son developed cellulitis in leg 2 weeks ago and was on IV clindamyacin for 7 days. Now on oral clindamyacin and has developed a limp. He says is painful to bend knee and put full weight on. What does this signify?

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (1 hour later)

Hi.

Thanks for writing to us.

Since your son has a recent history of cellulitis, the limping and painful knee bending raises my concern. Bone infection (osteomyelitis) is a complication of previous skin infection. Though your son has been treated with clindamycin, there can be some resistant strains of bacteria as well.

I would like to get this excluded. Therefore, I suggest you to get him examined by pediatrician. He will require some tests like complete blood count, ESR, CRP, blood culture, X XXXXXXX Bone scan or MRI.

In the meantime continue with medication as advised, give combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain relief 6 to 8 hourly.
Apply cold compresses over affected area.

Hope I have answered your query; if you have any other question I would be glad to help.

Wishing your child good health.

God bless...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad