Swollen foot

Posted by safetyshield @safetyshield, Jan 5, 2017

I am a spina bifida and have within the past week experienced swelling on my left foot and black and blue where my toes are going right across and traveling down the whole left side of my foot. I went to see a podiatrist who said that this is not unlikely for people with spina bifida. I am 61 years old and this never happened to me before. my foot was x-rayed and nothing unusual was seen. The doctor gave me anti inflamitory medication and an ace bandage. So far no change. This doctor is the head of his department so he is no amateur. Any one have any idea of what I have where I can turn too or have had similar experiences? Let me know

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Kanaaz Pereira, Connect Moderator | @kanaazpereira | Jan 6, 2017

Hi @safetyshield,

While researching your symptoms, here's what I found:
"Orthopedic problems in spina bifida may be due to Pressure and abrasion, Poor circulation, Neurological changes, Edema, Peripheral neuropathy." @johnbishop, would you have any information for @safetyshield, with regard to peripheral neuropathy?

I'm also tagging @markwages, @jimmie1a, @cooper2, @glades2, who have talked about spina bifida, and hope that they will come back with some suggestions.

@safetyshield, has your doctor done any tests to rule out other conditions such as diabetes?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 6, 2017

Hi @safetyshield,

I have small fiber peripheral neuropathy in both legs and my right leg has a tendency to swell but nothing as bad as you are experiencing. When my polymyalgia rheumatica was first diagnosed my right leg and foot were severely swollen. They drained some fluid from the knee and put me on 20 mgs of prednisone and within 3 or 4 hours I was able to walk without the walker I used to get to the appointment. I don't think it would be peripheral neuropathy would be the cause of the swelling but may be another symptom. Hopefully someone can chime in with an answer for you.

John

safetyshield | @safetyshield | Jan 6, 2017

In reply to @kanaazpereira "Hi @safetyshield, While researching your symptoms, here's what I found: "Orthopedic problems in spina bifida may..." + (show)

no just took an xray of the foot and found no fractures. I get yearly check ups and there has been no indication of diabetes

amkaloha | @amkaloha | Jan 12, 2017

Hi John
I was here looking for info on lymphedema and spotted this topic of swollen foot. I too have neuropathy in both legs and feet and was diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. I take 4 mg of methylprednisolone for the PR. Did your PR have any connection with the swelling? I have swelling in both legs and feet and can't seem to find the cause. One doctor gave me bumetanide, a diuretic. That only made my urinary tract a mess but did nothing for my swelling. Another PA had me go for sonogram of my legs for blood flow both to and from my heart and the presence of blood clots. Blood flow was fine, no blood clots! Also had an electrocardiogram and my heart was fine. Now, my left leg which is more swollen than the right, has a fairly large red patch which I assume is cellulitis. It never seems to end! I haven't a clue who to go to to find out the cause and cure. And now the PA I was seeing has left the practice. To make matters worse, I can't get around too well (use a walker) because I have osteoarthritis in my knees and it is extremely painful. Maybe I need to check myself into Mayo and have them do a whole go-over! Can you do that? Thanks for any light you might be able to shed on any of this!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 12, 2017

Hi @amkaloha, Mayo Clinic has some information on lymphedema. I'm not sure if you have seen it but may help you - http://mayocl.in/1GPYrw6. If you don't have a doctor close by I would definitely recommend setting up an appointment with Mayo. I get a regular checkup once a year but then I'm a really old guy ☺ You can setup an appointment with the Mayo Clinic by calling one of the appointment offices - The contact information for Minnesota, Arizona and Florida can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

I also have swelling off and on in my right leg plus all the ugly red blotches which I think is cellulitis. I'm currently trying to titrate off of prednisone but it's not going so well - started at 20 mg and that took care of the PMR shoulder and arm pain but when I got down to 5 mgs my shoulders started hurting so I'm going to give it the rest of the week before bumping it back up to 7.5 mgs. I had the swelling when my PMR was first diagnosed quite a few years ago and the Mayo rheumatologist had fluid drained from my knee as I had to use a walker when I went to the appointment but he gave me the 20 mg prednisone and I was able to ditch the walker that afternoon. I guess I was lucky that my PMR was in remission for over 6 years before it came back this past August.

I have recently been looking into taking turmeric organic powder (tsp mixed into my morning green breakfast smoothie) to see if it will help with the inflammation. I found the information about the benefits of turmeric on the Arthritis Foundation website - http://bit.ly/1LLiKKR.

Hoping this helps,

John