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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Knees And Ankles In An Elderly Person

Posted on Wed, 18 Oct 2017

Question: My 86 year old father is suffering from dark red legs with clear drainage. Lately his knees and ankles have swollen, and for an active walker to be reduced to very short walks and discomfort is hard to watch. He is having an allergy patch test done today for extremely itchy arms, but his legs are not. The weeping is pretty bad, and about all he has been told is it is age related, and consider compression socks. Is there something else we can ask about?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cellulitis with deep vein thrombosis or else .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear

Welcome to Healthcaremagic.com
I have evaluated your query thoroughly .

* This seems cellulitis stage either deep vein thrombosis or else .

Kindly provide further details so that I can answer your query completely .

1. Current condition - duration .
2. Any systemic issue as diabetes or others .
3. Associated fever .
4. If possible a photo pic of both legs as an attachment in follow up question
would be of immense help to evaluate it further .
5. Does he smoke .
6. Reports if any available .

Awaiting for your response .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (30 minutes later)

No fever, no diabetes. Occasionally smokes a pipe, but not on a daily basis. Last 6 months has gotten worse, but started on one leg, one patch several years ago, now covers both legs up to mid-thigh and weeps clear liquid constantly. I don't have a picture, and won't see him again until the weekend. Red/purple mottled.

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chronic cellulitis . present recommendations provided.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear

Thanks for the details .

* Chronic cellulitis with reason to be evaluated .

* Recommendations at present

- Tell to keep both legs elevated over 3 - 4 pillows when resting .
- Keep the parts clean with antiseptic liquids , dry .
- Dusting powder in form of clotrimazole ( 1 % ) would be helpful .
- Continue to give ibuprofen as and when required .
- Remain mobilised till possible with light exercises of the legs to support
distal circulation .

* Follow up with photo pic when possible to decide further course of action
which may include basic laboratory tests , doppler ultrasound of the
lower limbs .

Wishing him fine health ahead .
Welcome for any further assistance .

Regards .

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj