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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In Ankles And Feet While On Gabapentin

Posted on Sat, 17 Sep 2016

Question: I've been taking gabapentin for a back problem and after 3 weeks the dase was increased and my feet and ankles started to swell up. my gp put me on pregabalin which I'm still taking, i also have zapain and 10mg bu trans. My legs have also started to feel heavier and fatter than normal, What should I do to try to sort this out ?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised and do physiotherapy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Swelling in lower limbs may be a side effect of pregabalin or gabapentin.
If this doesn't cause much problem, then you can continue medications, as the swelling will decrease once the drugs are stopped.
For back pain you need to get imaging of spine. Pain killers with muscle relaxants may be required initially for management.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (22 minutes later)

Thanks for the reply, my back pain is on going, I've had all scans available, one surgeon reckons my spinal surgery 4 years ago, screws,rods etc, bone graft didn't fuse together, the operating surgeon said it had and sent me to pain management, ie acupuncture gabapentin and hot cream, none of this helps. I cant take NSAIDS I've had a duodenal bleed, my GP didn't seem too bothered !! any more advise would be appreciated, thanks, regards Eve

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If no repeat surgery is feasible, then you have to continue on medications and physiotherapy.
Guided physiotherapy will be a great help.
For pain relief you have to continue pregabalin or gabapentin or amitryptiline. The doses may be increased gradually.
Local ointment can be used for pain relief.
Diclofenac of ketoprofen patch are also available for local action without any systemic absorption or side effects.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar