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Swelling In Ankles And Feet, Bruises On Shins And Calves. Injured And Hospitalized Previously. Should I Be Concerned?
I am a 52 year old active woman. I was in an auto accident 3 months ago and my lower legs suffered severe contusions. I was ambulanced to hospital for back, neck and leg trauma and x-rayed immediately after wreck, showing no fractures. Still have bruising on both shins (left most severe), and back of calves. I was unable to walk well for a couple of weeks. Have continued to see doctor, but nothing has been done until this last visit, transdermal cortisol treatment. No change noted. Just visited Walt Disney World and legs also continue to swell very badly (ankles and feet) with mild walking (shopping, park walks over an hour, etc.). Should I be worried?
posted on
Wed, 10 Apr 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 3 Jul 2013
Answered on
Thu, 4 Jul 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello,
thanks for using health care magic
In as much as the swelling could be related to inflammation brought about by the trauma, at 52 years, other possible causes have to be excluded.
You should be concerned and meet an internist for detail cardiovascular, hepatic and renal investigations.
Following the examination by the internist, you may require to do an ultrasound of the heart, liver and kidneys, liver and renal function tests and an ECG.
Hope this helps you
Best regards
Dr Achuo
thanks for using health care magic
In as much as the swelling could be related to inflammation brought about by the trauma, at 52 years, other possible causes have to be excluded.
You should be concerned and meet an internist for detail cardiovascular, hepatic and renal investigations.
Following the examination by the internist, you may require to do an ultrasound of the heart, liver and kidneys, liver and renal function tests and an ECG.
Hope this helps you
Best regards
Dr Achuo
I find this answer helpful
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
It is very uncommon to have bruise marks leftover even after 3 months of injury as the maximum time by which they fade off is around 3-4 weeks. Anyway its not a matter of major concern.
Regarding you swollen ankles and feet, I think it is normal for your age after period of walk and prolonged standing and can be considered as "Physiological" dependent oedema.
If you are much worried and concerned , approach a vascular surgeon for evaluation. Hope this helps
It is very uncommon to have bruise marks leftover even after 3 months of injury as the maximum time by which they fade off is around 3-4 weeks. Anyway its not a matter of major concern.
Regarding you swollen ankles and feet, I think it is normal for your age after period of walk and prolonged standing and can be considered as "Physiological" dependent oedema.
If you are much worried and concerned , approach a vascular surgeon for evaluation. Hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
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