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What Causes Red And Painful Leg Post A Ruptured Achilles Tendon Surgery?
Question: I had surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon which was not diagnosed until seven weeks after the injury occurred, by which time it had recoiled up the leg. Surgery went OK but 3 weeks later I developed pulmonary emboli & was hospitalized for a week on blood thinners. Subsequently I improved & was actively doing Physio on my leg, which got me to the point where I was off crutches, into running shoes & was even able
to start driving again. Then just prior to Christmas the leg became red & painful and the incision opened up & began oozing. As everything was closed down for the holidays I attended Emerg. & was put on heavy duty
antibiotic by IV. I finally got in to see my orthopedic surgeon on XXXXXXX 11th & he opened up the incision to clean out the infection & remove the permanent stitches which had been left in after the original surgery.
He had to remove 50% of the Achilles tendon & we are waiting to see if this will heal adequately. I would like to get another opinion & would like to know who would be the top expert in Achilles tendon repairs in the Toronto area. I am a female 73 years old, but have always led a very active life, hiking, swimming,golfing etc. & have been healthy & active all my life. I would appreciate any info. you can give me. I need to get this fixed with no more setbacks. XXXX YYYY@YYYY
to start driving again. Then just prior to Christmas the leg became red & painful and the incision opened up & began oozing. As everything was closed down for the holidays I attended Emerg. & was put on heavy duty
antibiotic by IV. I finally got in to see my orthopedic surgeon on XXXXXXX 11th & he opened up the incision to clean out the infection & remove the permanent stitches which had been left in after the original surgery.
He had to remove 50% of the Achilles tendon & we are waiting to see if this will heal adequately. I would like to get another opinion & would like to know who would be the top expert in Achilles tendon repairs in the Toronto area. I am a female 73 years old, but have always led a very active life, hiking, swimming,golfing etc. & have been healthy & active all my life. I would appreciate any info. you can give me. I need to get this fixed with no more setbacks. XXXX YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
It will need grafting of tendons now.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I studied your case and I think that you need to know few things about Achilles tendon.
1.There is always a chance of infection, specially if you are Diabetic. Once infected, it is not easy to cure, you need to give at least three months before any procedure is performed. Also during this time you should be on IV antibiotics according to causating bacteria and its antibiotic sensitivity. Since 50 % of your tendon is already removed, you will be needing tendon graft from legs. So I would suggest you to discuss these things with your doctor and plan accordingly.after surgery, you wil be able to walk around gradually, hence i advice physiotherapy for better mobility.
2. I personally don't know any foot and ankle specialist in and around Toronto, but you can contact a center specialized in foot and ankle surgeries. These experts are called Podiatrists.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thank you.
It will need grafting of tendons now.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I studied your case and I think that you need to know few things about Achilles tendon.
1.There is always a chance of infection, specially if you are Diabetic. Once infected, it is not easy to cure, you need to give at least three months before any procedure is performed. Also during this time you should be on IV antibiotics according to causating bacteria and its antibiotic sensitivity. Since 50 % of your tendon is already removed, you will be needing tendon graft from legs. So I would suggest you to discuss these things with your doctor and plan accordingly.after surgery, you wil be able to walk around gradually, hence i advice physiotherapy for better mobility.
2. I personally don't know any foot and ankle specialist in and around Toronto, but you can contact a center specialized in foot and ankle surgeries. These experts are called Podiatrists.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thank you.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Naveen Kumar
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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