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What Causes Sore, Swollen And Red Ankle?

Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015

Question: My ankle/shin bone is sore, red, swollen and hot. I am slightly flat footed and the foot bone has also enlarged slightly and dropped down.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It can be ankle synovitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think that you can be having ankle synovitis or cellulitis.In this condition there is pain and inflammation of ankle and shin. It is common in diabetics. Before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail about your illness.
1.Since when you are having this problem?
2.Are you having any history of trauma or fall?
3.Are you a Diabetic or any other medical problem?
4.Are you also having fever?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

My ankle stared getting sore three days ago. No fall or trauma. No fever that I know of. I was diagnosed with diabetes one month ago. As I mentioned the foot bone in the arch of the foot is slightly enlarged and has fallen. However, it doesn't hurt.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be cellulitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for replying. Most probably it is cellulitis of the lower leg and ankle. I would suggest you to get following treatment.
1.You need to show it to your physcian. He might ask you to start antibiotics for five days. Mostly Amoxiclav for five days.
2.Ice application at the shin.
3.Avoid standing for long time.
4.Elastocrape bandage can be applied.
I hope this treatment will be helpful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (14 hours later)

Dr. XXXXXXX Thank you for your follow up. I have been traveling the past week and just returned last night. I leave tomorrow for another business trip to New York. I won't be able to see a doctor until next week.
Last night I wrapped my ankle in ice and elevated it. I haven't been on my feet much today and my ankle is still swollen, red and sore. I don't know what could have caused this?? I know that cellulitis is a blood infection, but how did I get it??
Am I OK to travel and see a doctor when I return or should I worry?
Please advise.
Thank you.
XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to see doctor as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I would recommend you to see doctor as soon as possible. Cellulitis can cause complication if not treated. Cellulitis is infection of skin and tissues below skin and it is caused by bacteria present in blood. You should see a doctor and start antibiotics. If your doctor agrees than you can travel. But I will suggest you to do some rest in this condition.

I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other follow up questions.
Thanks

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad