Brief Answer:
To rule out venous and lymhatic oedema
Detailed Answer:
Namasthe
Welcome to Healthcare-magic
Greetings of the day
I encounter many such cases in my practise.
Any long standing Oedema of lower limb especially if the signs of inflammation are not sure, one should consider other associated condition as cause of it or contributing factor for the symptoms and presentation
1. Lymphatic Oedema: Inflammation going on for long time, it either obstruction or destruction of lymphatic channel. It leads to impaired lymph clearance which may worsen the oedema due to
cellulitis. Antibiotics alone wont help
2. Chronic venous insufficiency: Either superficial or deep venous insufficiency of lower limb may predispose to persistent oedema. If this is present, its unlikely yo resolve by antibiotics.
3. Chronic dermatitis/eczema
I would suggest you to get
Ultrasound and colour doppler scan of venous system in consultation with your physician to rule out venous insuffieiency as the cause of persistent oedema.
If venous insufficiency is ruled out as the cause , its likely to be due to asscoiated
lymphangitis and lymphatic oedema.
It will require following measures
1. Limb elevation while sleeping by placing 2 pillows under the calf
2. Graded compression bandage or elasto crepe bandage,
3. Limb massage
From this point, management depends on condition of limb and severity of oedema/inflammation which can be assesed by goo clinical examination.
I hope it helped.
In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.
Take Care
Best regards
Dr Deepak K k
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Surgeon
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