Suggest Treatment For Feet Pain And Swollen Toes

Posted on Sat, 17 Dec 2016

Question: My husband is in the 4th stage of kidney failure and also is diabetic. He takes prednisone for polymyalgia also.
His feet are hurting in the bottom and his toes are swelling. Just started 2 days ago. What is the best remedy.
He has tramadol 50 mg and 100 mg for paid but doesn't seem to be helping

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Leg raising, diuretics,see Doctor, check drug dosage .

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I understand this can be very disturbing. The first thing to do with the swelling feet is for him to stay in a position when the feet are raised with respect to the rest of the body. Simply placing the feet on two pillows and lying flat in bed could help reduce swelling. Avoiding long standing hours or sitting positions with flexed legs should be done.

However, it is important to get a clinical review if symptoms persist. Chronic kidney disease on its own can explain why the feet are swelling. Your doctor may decide to prescribe diuretics (drugs that make one lose water) based on the case, along with it daily total water intake has to be monitored cautiously, as well as any recent weight gain.

For how long has he been on Prednisolone and what is the dosage does he take ? taking this drug for a very long time could have toxic effects on the kidney.

How about his daily urine output ? on avg how much is the daily output ? any recent decline ?

Nutritional control and support, control of kidney and heart function and seeing if he is suitable for use of diuretics is important.

Leg raising simply for a start, avoiding standing for too long are good initial starting points as you await to see his doctor in case this persists.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish him the best of health. Please, do feel free asking any further specific questions. I would more happy to contribute.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (21 hours later)

he has been on prednisone for a few years. He was down to 5mg/day but rheumatologist suggested increasing to 5 in am and 5 in pm which he has been doing for about 2 weeks. We are totally aware of the side effects. He has an appt with his neurologist on Monday and we will discuss options with him. Meantime, I will make sure he keeps his feet elevated. His urine output is good. In fact usually he is dehydrated and has been hospitalized for that. Thank you for your information.

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Since urine output is good, then no worries, Neurologist shall for sure be of help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the update,

It will be interesting to know how it goes when he meets the neurologist.

Wishing him the best of health and kind regards, let me know if you've any further queries

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (2 hours later)

OK I'll message you on the results. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
That shall be great, expecting

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the kind response,

I shall be anxiously expecting the feedback/results,

kind regards as I wish you the best.

Dr Bain

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T