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Suggest Treatment For Unilateral Swelling In The Leg
Question: I have a swollen left knee and the swelling runs all the way to the bottom of the left foot. Ultrasound showed no DVT. Sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation treatments six in all teated my varicose veins. Blood test shows no elevated white blood cell count. X ray by my orthopaedic surgeon shows the joint replacement hardware is fine. Still no cure; I'm at my wit's end-compression stockings and water pills (furosemide) have had minimal impact. Any suggestions??? The rest of my health is pretty good; I'm non-smoking and on no other medicine. What kind of doctor or specialist shall I consult? I've already seen the orthopaedist, vascular surgeon and several family doctors. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
It can be lymphedema due to lymphatic damage or obstruction
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, since DVT and local causes like implant infection etc have already been ruled out and you have been through many specialists, I hope other causes like liver or kidney conditions relating to protien leak have already been ruled out but still to start with a repeat, Renal and liver functions alongwith urinalysis as well as echo cardiogram can be to start with. 24 hours urinary protien may also be needed.
If these are normal, the most likely cause can be lymphedema which can be due to surgical history of the affected knee, leading to any lymphatic damage or obstruction.
The treatment include pressure stocking as you have been advised earlier as well as pneumatic compressions as well as physiotherapy tachniques which are specialised to assist lymph drainage and can be learnt by consulting a physiotherapist.
Surgical repair and other methods including anastomosis of lymphatic into venous system to assist drainage, can also be discussed with a second opinion by another vascular surgeon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
It can be lymphedema due to lymphatic damage or obstruction
Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic! Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. We will try to help you in best way possible. First of all, it is sad to know what you had gone through.
Based on the history you have shared, since DVT and local causes like implant infection etc have already been ruled out and you have been through many specialists, I hope other causes like liver or kidney conditions relating to protien leak have already been ruled out but still to start with a repeat, Renal and liver functions alongwith urinalysis as well as echo cardiogram can be to start with. 24 hours urinary protien may also be needed.
If these are normal, the most likely cause can be lymphedema which can be due to surgical history of the affected knee, leading to any lymphatic damage or obstruction.
The treatment include pressure stocking as you have been advised earlier as well as pneumatic compressions as well as physiotherapy tachniques which are specialised to assist lymph drainage and can be learnt by consulting a physiotherapist.
Surgical repair and other methods including anastomosis of lymphatic into venous system to assist drainage, can also be discussed with a second opinion by another vascular surgeon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Regards.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Answered by
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