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What Causes Swelling On Foot Weeks After An Injury?
Question: Hi I broke a bone in my 5th metatarsal exactly 3 weeks back. I have a fiberglass cast which I have been advised to put for 4-6 weeks. Everything seemed to be healing fine, swelling decreased after few days, pain also subsided. Until yesterday I noticed that my injured foot has started swelling again. The toes seem bigger and also I have this sensation of pins and needles. I don't understand why suddenly the swelling is back after 3 weeks. Is this a cause for worry?
Brief Answer:
Due to decreased venous drainage.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling in the foot after 3 weeks of injury is due to decreased venous drainage due to decreased activity of the injured foot. You can keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting and start passive exercises and moving the toes while resting.
The swelling has caused the tightening of the fibreglass cast thus causing the nerve compression leading to pins and needles. Just keep the foot elevated and start exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist. This should solve your problem. In case the swelling increases and the toes look discolored then do consult your orthopedician for loosening of the cast.
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
Due to decreased venous drainage.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling in the foot after 3 weeks of injury is due to decreased venous drainage due to decreased activity of the injured foot. You can keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting and start passive exercises and moving the toes while resting.
The swelling has caused the tightening of the fibreglass cast thus causing the nerve compression leading to pins and needles. Just keep the foot elevated and start exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist. This should solve your problem. In case the swelling increases and the toes look discolored then do consult your orthopedician for loosening of the cast.
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 your reply. Can I take mexapharm (anti inflammatory medicine) to reduce the swelling?
Also, can you advice what exercises I can do while having the cast on?
Thank you
Also, can you advice what exercises I can do while having the cast on?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Yes. You can take it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Yes you can take the anti inflammatory medicine.
You can move your toes and pump your calves or flex and extend the knee joint to improve the blood circulation and venous drainage. Keeping the foot elevated will also help considerably.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Yes. You can take it.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Yes you can take the anti inflammatory medicine.
You can move your toes and pump your calves or flex and extend the knee joint to improve the blood circulation and venous drainage. Keeping the foot elevated will also help considerably.
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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