HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Tenderness And Swelling On Top Of The Foot

default
Posted on Mon, 20 Mar 2017
Question: I had surgery for a broken left ankle on December 20 and was on bed rest for 4 weeks. Started PT 2x wk 2 weeks ago. Tenderness and swelling on top of my foot that was not present before PT. Occasionally aching in back of knee. Assumed it was from beginning exercises but want to be sure it's not thrombosis.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be a thrombosis

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.
I have gone through your medical history in detail.

Such type of swelling / pain is considered normal after any type of fracture when physiotherapy is started.

After bed rest for 4 weeks,the muscles and soft tissues in ankle and foot become stiff.When PT is started,the accumulated subcutaneous fluid tends to come out beneath the skin causing the ankle and foot to swell.

Blood clots are less likely, though not impossible.Thrombosis will cause swelling of whole leg and thighs.

If the swelling increases,then you can get a doppler done to rule out thrombosis.

Keep the leg elevated over a pillow to reduce the swelling.

I hope the answer was useful.

Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have.

Thank you.
Kind regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
If you have no further queries / doubts,then you can close the question and rate this answer.

Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (10 hours later)
Veins on top of foot are swollen and very sore. Still no worries?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Query answered

Detailed Answer:
I don't think it should worry you.

Venous congestion is expected with swelling.

This should go away soon.

If it does not show signs of improvement in next 10 days,then we can consider getting a doppler done to rule out a thrombus.

Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Mahaveer Patil (1 hour later)
Thanks for the peace of mind
doctor
Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Welcome

Detailed Answer:
Take care
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Mahaveer Patil

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1209 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Treatment For Tenderness And Swelling On Top Of The Foot

Brief Answer: Does not seem to be a thrombosis Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for posting the question. I have gone through your medical history in detail. Such type of swelling / pain is considered normal after any type of fracture when physiotherapy is started. After bed rest for 4 weeks,the muscles and soft tissues in ankle and foot become stiff.When PT is started,the accumulated subcutaneous fluid tends to come out beneath the skin causing the ankle and foot to swell. Blood clots are less likely, though not impossible.Thrombosis will cause swelling of whole leg and thighs. If the swelling increases,then you can get a doppler done to rule out thrombosis. Keep the leg elevated over a pillow to reduce the swelling. I hope the answer was useful. Feel free to ask me any follow up queries that you may have. Thank you. Kind regards.