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Suggest Treatment For Elevated Cholesterol Levels

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Posted on Tue, 10 Jan 2017
Question: 10 weeks ago I broke the right fibula at the ankle. Suddenly 4 days ago my right calf and knee swelled up. Ultrasound revealed acute DVT and I started taking Eliquis. It is rather uncomfortable to walk (I am still using crutches) I am a 63 year old male with no other conditions I know of other than elevated cholesterol but I don't take anything for it. How sedentary should I be?
YYYY@YYYY
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Depends on the complexity of your ankle injury

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Since you have low fibula fracture, it could indicate ankle instability. It would be helpful if you could upload the Xray and/or reports concerned.

Depending on the severity of the ankle injury the management must be planned, including when you can start walking.

It would be helpful to walk with crutches or walker. Ankle pump exercise is very important. Limb elevation.

As much as possible you must move around to prevent DVT on the other limb as well.

Once you upload the Xray, I shall comment on when you can bear weight.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (45 minutes later)
A heating pad seems to help relieve the soreness in the leg with DVT, is it okay to use a heating pad on it occasionally?
How long will it take for the swelling to subside? Is there a normal amount of time it should take for the swelling to subside?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Optimal time 1 week

Detailed Answer:
It should take a week for the swelling to come down.

Continue using the heating pad twice a day for a week.

Normal swelling in DVT takes about a week to subside with medication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (2 days later)
I have been on Eliquis four days and the swelling and pain is gone. However, if I do not keep the leg elevated my foot quickly turns bluish in about minute or so. When I elevate it the color returns to normal after a couple of minutes; moving my foot returns it to normal color faster. I have a fitted compression stocking that applies 15-20 mmHg. I have an appointment at the orthopedic nurse tomorrow that will mean my leg will not be elevated for about 30 minutes. The bone seems to have healed normally to me, although I am still reluctant to put my full 180 lb. weight on it after 8 weeks. I am more concerned about damaging my foot tissue if it is not elevated for that long. Is this concern real?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Keep leg in comfortable position. Get new Xray.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

There is no issue regarding foot tissue damage. But do keep the limb in comfortable position.

Try to get a Doppler scan done for the veins in the affected lower limb to look for the extent of DVT.

Do get an Xray tomorrow and if the fibula fracture gas healed, you can start weight bearing.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Aashish Raghu

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 5482 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Elevated Cholesterol Levels

Brief Answer: Depends on the complexity of your ankle injury Detailed Answer: Hi there. Thanks for the query. Since you have low fibula fracture, it could indicate ankle instability. It would be helpful if you could upload the Xray and/or reports concerned. Depending on the severity of the ankle injury the management must be planned, including when you can start walking. It would be helpful to walk with crutches or walker. Ankle pump exercise is very important. Limb elevation. As much as possible you must move around to prevent DVT on the other limb as well. Once you upload the Xray, I shall comment on when you can bear weight. I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries. Regards, Dr. Aashish Raghu