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Cold, purple foot - 5 weeks from surgery

Discussion in 'Ask your questions here' started by Pirtzy, Apr 8, 2009.

  1. Pirtzy

    Pirtzy New Member


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    I previously posted about my bunion surgery/fifth metatarsal osteotomy. Since being out of my cast (4 weeks), and in a walking boot, I have noticed my foot is very cold when the boot is off. When I hang my foot down, it turns very purple. Is this a reason for medical concern, or part of the healing process? I plan to call my doc tomorrow to find out more, but would love any advice/info before that, too.
     
  2. FootDoc

    FootDoc New Member

    DISCLAIMER:
    THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS-ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
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    The coloration you may be describing, but often with a reddish-purpulish tinge is commonly called "dependent rubor" and is often associated with circulatory impairment. But is also not uncommonly relatively benignly seen after an injury or surgery. Such coloration, along with mottling of the skin, coldness and pain may also portend a relatively uncommon by serious condition known as post-traumatic sympathetic dystrophy, which, when it occurs, must be diagnosed and treated early and aggressively. That diagnosis may likely not be the case, but the entire situation including the coloration and coldness requires a hands-on knowledgeable evaluation. Be sure to get some good and understandable answers from your doctor this time.
     
  3. Pirtzy

    Pirtzy New Member

    Thanks, Foot Doc. I have a message in to my doctor already this morning. I am concerned at the second possibility; should I consider this an emergency if my doctor will not see me today?
     
  4. FootDoc

    FootDoc New Member

    DISCLAIMER:
    THE FOLLOWING IS OFFERED GRATIS AS GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY, AND, AS SUCH, MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE SPECIFIC QUESTIONER AND/OR HIS/HER PROBLEM. IT IS CLEARLY NOT BASED ON ACTUAL KNOWLEDGE AND/OR EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTIONER OR HIS/HER MEDICAL HISTORY, AND IT CAN NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS DEFINITIVE MEDICAL OPINION OR ADVICE. ONLY THROUGH HANDS-ON PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE ACTUAL PATIENT CAN ACCURATE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BE ESTABLISHED AND SPECIFIC ADVICE BE GIVEN. NO DOCTOR/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS CREATED OR ESTABLISHED OR MAY BE INFERRED. THE QUESTIONER AND/OR READER IS INSTRUCTED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER OWN DOCTOR BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY SUGGESTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, AND TO ACT ONLY UPON HIS/HER OWN DOCTOR’S ORDERS AND RECOMMENDATIONS. BY THE READING OF MY POSTING WHICH FOLLOWS, THE READER STIPULATES AND CONFIRMS THAT HE/SHE FULLY UNDERSTANDS THIS DISCLAIMER AND HOLDS HARMLESS THIS WRITER. IF THIS IS NOT FULLY AGREEABLE TO YOU, THE READER, AND/OR YOU HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE AGE OF 18 YEARS, YOU HEREBY ARE ADMONISHED TO READ NO FURTHER.
    *************************************************
    I really don't have anywhere near enough information from you to draw anything approaching a likely conclusion, and I included the later merely to cover additional bases. Any doctor who deals with trauma is or should be well aware of what to look for, and in no way did I intend to alarm you.
     
  5. Pirtzy

    Pirtzy New Member

    Saw the doctor today. The doc says there's nothing wrong with my foot - this sort of thing is "normal." However, after looking my other extremities, she referred me to a vascular specialist to rule out possible Raynaud's. This seems odd to me, and I'm not sure it's on track, but it does seem like a step in the right direction to see someone who specializes in disorders/conditions of this type. We shall see! Thanks for the guidance, Foot Doc.
     
  6. FootDoc

    FootDoc New Member

    You're welcome. Please post again when you get some additional information.
     
  7. itzmetb829

    itzmetb829 Guest

    Hello Foot Doc -

    I am 10 weeks POST OP Morton's Neuroma Right Foot. I also have Sjogrens Disease (auto immune) Osteo Arthritis to name a few health fact-toids.

    I too experience complete FOOT and LEG SWELLING 24/7 accompanied by pain in the entire foot - especially thobbing at the sight. I have been undergoing TENS treatment twice a week for the last month. This has aided in reducing the swelling but not entirely. I always elevate my foot for the majority of the day - buy also try to walk on it to work it out. My foot is discolored, dark purple/red like a gigantic bruise.

    Prior to surgery, I requested that my Podiatrist "BURN" the nerve endings so the stump would not grow back (as in my left foot).

    I have been on STD (short term disability) and insurance company feels I should be back at work.

    I do not feel comfortable returning to work due to the extreme swelling I currently experience. Especially after TENS treatment..the swelling is greater because they increase the dosage of electricty to stimulate the nerve. What concerns me the most is the swelling in my entire leg. I can barely get my pants off due to the amount of swelling.

    I sympathize with my DR. I know he is concerned but is he treating it correctly? Should I get a 2nd opinion? My Rheumatologist concurs that the healing will be slower due to the Sjogrens...but all this swelling is extremely uncomfortable.

    Thanks for sharing
    TB 10/23/14
     
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