Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Edema In Feet At Bedtime, Edema On Left Foot, Ankle, Calf. Quadriplegic For 34 Years. Should I Be Concerned?
I've been a quadriplegic (complete) for 34 years. When up in the wheelchair, I usually have some edema in my feet at bedtime. A few days ago, I developed a significant edema of the left foot, ankle, calf and thigh which does not change much when in bed for 12 hours. The edema is not pitting - feels quite hard. The right leg hasn't changed. Should I be concerned?
Hi, the first one you are getting is the postural oedema, due to the valves in the veins , and loss of elasticity of the veins. The oedema in the left foot, could be due to some obstruction of the saphinous vein or its tributaries. I advise you to consult a vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. You may need to have color doppler for finding the site of obstruction. Thank you.
As you are a quadriplegic and confined to bed most of the time, there are high chances of formation of thrombus in the leg veins due to stasis of blood.
I suggest a DOPPLER ULTRASOUND examination which diagnoses the condition.
Consult your treating physician for further workup and management.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Edema In Feet At Bedtime, Edema On Left Foot, Ankle, Calf. Quadriplegic For 34 Years. Should I Be Concerned?
Hi, the first one you are getting is the postural oedema, due to the valves in the veins , and loss of elasticity of the veins. The oedema in the left foot, could be due to some obstruction of the saphinous vein or its tributaries. I advise you to consult a vascular surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. You may need to have color doppler for finding the site of obstruction. Thank you.