Taking Bactrim For Cellulitis In Ankle And Suffering From Low Grade Fever. What Is The Cure?

Posted on Sun, 10 Nov 2013

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

Sun, 10 Nov 2013 Answered on

Mon, 2 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Had cellulitis (ankle/foot) 6 wks ago, redness and infection cleared up within 2 week with bactrim but swelling and fever started after last dose so continued for another few weeks ...took last dose again this morning and have low gr fever tonight. Been elevating and icing every chance I can but everytime I lower it to walk swelling starts to pool again in ankle...thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Cellulitis may not be adequately treated. Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome to XXXXXXX Thanks for your query. Presence of fever and swelling suggests than the infection is not completely treated or it may have spread deeper. Secondly the circulating bacterial toxins in the blood may also produce similar symptoms. The organism may be resistant to the antibiotic(Bactrim) and not responding to it. In this situation I would advise my patient to undergo some blood test and X ray to rule out spread of infection. Change to higher antibiotic for another two weeks and observe. Foot elevation and crepe bandage of the ankle. The common cause of recurrent cellulitis may be diabetes. Check your blood sugar levels to rule out diabetes. Hope the answer helps you. Let me know if there is any clarification. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (13 hours later)

I had recent blood work which showed no infection or inflamation(crp/esr)..fever went away so i guess should our main concern be the reoccuring swelling whichfeels a bit warm ( everytime i try to walk on it swells but soon after ice and elevation it goes down)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Musculoskeletal problem of the ankle. Detailed Answer: Hello, Good to hear the blood tests for infection and inflammation came out as negative. So the other possibility may be musculoskeletal problems related to ankle joint. I advise would be rest to the ankle, crepe bandaging, avoid weight bearing for at least a week. X ray/ MRI of the ankle will help to arrive at a diagnosis. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad