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What Do Squishy Lumps On Ankles Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 27 Jun 2014
Question: I am a 55 yr. old female. I have a round squishy lump about 1.5 inches in diameter under both of my ankles. They do not hurt. No redness or heat. They can be moved around sort of like a gel pack under my skin. They both stick out though so that my ankle bone is not defined. They have been this way for about a week. But today, my left knee started feeling unusual as well. And probably not related but my rib cage hurts. I will be out of town for a month. Is this something I need to have checked out before I go.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possibility of systemic origin of swelling.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us,

I have studied your case and clinical photo with diligence.

As swelling is over both ankles without history of trauma there is possibility of systemic origin of swelling.
Differential can be swelling due to exertion; swelling can be cardiac /renal origin, early inflammatory arthritis.
You may need to do X ray and blood investigation after clinical examination from your doctor.
So I will advise to consult your doctor before leaving.

Follow strict limb elevation, do ice fomentation.
Medicine like Trypsin chymotrypsin will help to reduce swelling.
If required you may need MRI ankle for soft tissue involvement.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (9 hours later)
I am pretty sure it is not renal as the following results are from a CT w contrast I just had in April. Findings: The lung bases are normally inflated and clear. The patient is
noted to have a small sliding-type hiatal hernia. The unenhanced sequence
shows no renal or ureteral calculi. Calcifications within the deep pelvis
appear to be below or caudal to the ureters.

The liver is homogeneous. No calcified gallstone is evident. No biliary
dilatation. Spleen, pancreas, adrenal glands, and kidneys appear normal.
No solid or cystic masses or abnormalities. Five-minute delayed images
show normal excretion of contrast bilaterally. No worrisome filling
defects seen within the collecting systems. Typically benign 9 mm cortical
cyst is seen at the right interpole level. There is likely a tiny cyst
within the lower pole of the left kidney, as well. No ureteral dilatation.
Urinary bladder appears normally distensible. No mucosal abnormalities.
Uterus is surgically absent. No solid or cystic adnexal masses. No large
or small bowel dilatation. No abdominopelvic ascites. There is a small
fat-containing paraumbilical hernia. The appendix is visualized and is normal.

My blood pressure is typically 110/70. Last full physical in September it was 105/65.
I have greatly increased my physical acitivity lately due to gaining 5 lbs. appearing to be mainly in my midsection. Although, as I am post hysterectomy, I have heard that is common. I use a treadmill and for the past 3 weeks have been walking 30-40 miles per week on it. I also dance on the weekends, but have never had swelling or any type of ankle issues.
Does this new information alter your findings? Also, if a medication for reducing swelling is required, can it be purchased over the counter? Thanks

.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

As per your investigation reports possibility of renal origin of swelling can be ruled out.
Possibility of inflammatory arthritis is more likely, you will need clinical examination and further blood investigation to confirm it. You may need tests like esr, crp, ra factor depending on exam along with basic blood tests.

You may not get these medicine for reducing swelling over the counter. You will need a written prescription from a doctor.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

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. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 5164 Questions

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What Do Squishy Lumps On Ankles Indicate?

Brief Answer: Possibility of systemic origin of swelling. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us, I have studied your case and clinical photo with diligence. As swelling is over both ankles without history of trauma there is possibility of systemic origin of swelling. Differential can be swelling due to exertion; swelling can be cardiac /renal origin, early inflammatory arthritis. You may need to do X ray and blood investigation after clinical examination from your doctor. So I will advise to consult your doctor before leaving. Follow strict limb elevation, do ice fomentation. Medicine like Trypsin chymotrypsin will help to reduce swelling. If required you may need MRI ankle for soft tissue involvement. Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. Wishing you good health. Take care.