What Causes Severe Pain,difficulty In Walking And Bruise On Leg?

Posted on Tue, 20 May 2014

Question: My husband had Arthriscopic surgery for a torn meniscus 13 days ago, this past Monday his pain got much worse, hard to walk normal, the severe pain is in only one of the incisions, it feels like there is a "knot" on it? It feels burning inside, there is no oozing, or discoloration, but quite a bit of bruising on that side, this does not sound normal? What are your thoughts? He does have a follow-up appointment with the surgeon this Friday morning. Thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possible could be cellulitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms XXXXXXX

Presence of excruciating (severe pain) , difficulty in walking and bruise like appearance suggest the possibility of Surgical site infection( Cellulitis). Diagnosis wil depend on clinical examination.
It would be very helpful if you could provide clinical photograph of the site.

In the meantime , I would suggest you the following which will provide the much needed relief
1. Hot water fomentation: Applying fomentation using hot water bottle will be beneficial. 3-4 times a day, 10-15 minutes each time would suffice
2. Analgesics: Ibuprofen 800 mg thrice a day will be very helpful in relieving pain
3. Antibiotics
4. Bed rest and limb elevation: Placing pillow under the leg will be helpful.

If there is severe swelling around the joint, increase in pain or fever occurs, it would be important to consult your Surgeon for further assessment to rule out joint space infection.

Do get back to me and keep posted about progress.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life

Take Care

Best Regards

Dr T Shobha Deepak
MBBS,MD

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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