Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Remedy For Swelling In Ankles Post C. Difficile Infection Recovery
Question: I have just recovered from C.difficile by FMT over some 9 weeks. During this time I did not get my usual exercise and I am now finding that my ankles and calf muscles are swelling. This reduces somewhat when I can now walk vigorously but is still significant. I can't contact my doctor until Monday and am woried. Please advise Sorry, finger trouble....I am 85 not 65. The legs at ankle level itch and the skin on both legs looks reddish-brown.
Brief Answer:
Can happen due to lack of proper exercise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling of both ankles and calf muscles with a reddish brown skin is likely to be due to dependent edema. This happens due to lack of proper muscle exercise and standing for long hours.
Not taking adequate fluids coupled with a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates can cause ankle and feet swelling.
Other serious causes for pedal and ankle edema are congestive heart failure, kidney disease, arthritis, high altitude, etc. Are you taking some medicines like laxatives? Abusing these drugs can also cause bilateral pedal edema.
You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) You can take diuretic pills after consulting your doctor to relive the pedal edema.
If the pedal edema persists then I suggest you a physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can happen due to lack of proper exercise.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling of both ankles and calf muscles with a reddish brown skin is likely to be due to dependent edema. This happens due to lack of proper muscle exercise and standing for long hours.
Not taking adequate fluids coupled with a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates can cause ankle and feet swelling.
Other serious causes for pedal and ankle edema are congestive heart failure, kidney disease, arthritis, high altitude, etc. Are you taking some medicines like laxatives? Abusing these drugs can also cause bilateral pedal edema.
You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) You can take diuretic pills after consulting your doctor to relive the pedal edema.
If the pedal edema persists then I suggest you a physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for comprehensive answer. I suspect that my problem derives from Acute Kidney Injury as diagnosed in hospital just before C.difficile was diagnosed on 17th September. Creatinine levels of 241,23o, 215 190 (13 Oct) found and since has decreased to about 180 (?). Will meet my doctor on 31st December. I am exercising more and taking in more liquids......swellings slightly reduced but still present and painful in right ankle.
Q 1: Am I in danger from thrombosis / blood clots etc.?
Q 2: Is dietary advice advice important ? If so, can you give this please?
Q 3: Can dependent edema be cured? Drugs? ...or just by following your advice above?
Many thanks, XXXXXXX McKeown.
Q 1: Am I in danger from thrombosis / blood clots etc.?
Q 2: Is dietary advice advice important ? If so, can you give this please?
Q 3: Can dependent edema be cured? Drugs? ...or just by following your advice above?
Many thanks, XXXXXXX McKeown.
Brief Answer:
Details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
1. The chances of blood clots is less as the swelling is bilateral and is not painful. Since your renal function is compromised, the swelling is likely to be due to a renal cause.
2. You need to restrict the salt intake. Avoid fatty foods. You can take an average protein diet. Rest of the restrictions depend on the exact diagnosis.
3. The dependent edema will decrease to a large extent with these measures.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Details below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
1. The chances of blood clots is less as the swelling is bilateral and is not painful. Since your renal function is compromised, the swelling is likely to be due to a renal cause.
2. You need to restrict the salt intake. Avoid fatty foods. You can take an average protein diet. Rest of the restrictions depend on the exact diagnosis.
3. The dependent edema will decrease to a large extent with these measures.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
