[wheelygirl38]

Just went to the docs because my foot looked like a big balloon he sent me up to the hospital right away for a ultra sound lucky enough it was not a blood clot have not heard back from him yet was wondering if anyone elese may of experience this and if so what was it cant even fit my shoe on my foot dont think its any medication ive been taking was on naprozen for my shoulder but stopped that a couple of weeks back because it did make me swell up also had xrays on the foot and it doesnt seem to be broken

[Tired of hurting]

[quote][quote name='wheelygirl38' date='Jan 4 2008, 09:12 AM' post='49097']
Just went to the docs because my foot looked like a big balloon he sent me up to the hospital right away for a ultra sound lucky enough it was not a blood clot have not heard back from him yet was wondering if anyone elese may of experience this and if so what was it cant even fit my shoe on my foot dont think its any medication ive been taking was on naprozen for my shoulder but stopped that a couple of weeks back because it did make me swell up also had xrays on the foot and it doesnt seem to be broken
[/quote]

My left leg swells up too...I have to get off of it.Change posiitions for comfort. Elevate,use hot or cold whatever feels good. Just relax for a week or so..Hope it helps Lisa

[kewlcatkez]

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your swelling problem. As you say that an emboli and fracture are ruled out, it narrows down the possible causes.

Have you ever injured your leg before? Which leg is it?

Legs which have had past fracture or injury, you can have oedema ( edema if you are from the uSA) due to the interruption to the body's usual fluid removal processes. This is more likely if the oedema is in one leg only, however other causes can also mean just one leg involvement, although it is less common than bilateral.
The above type of oedema can also be due to removal or interruption of the 'nodes' in the groin for the leg just like the armpit for the arm.
Lower leg Oedema is usually referred to as being Peripheral.

By far the most common cause (DVT excluded) in those of us who use a wheelchair for long periods is peripheral Oedema caused by Gravity, and lack of leg movement. Pressure stockings (Hose) and 'flying socks' can be used to encourage the blood to remove the excess fluid back to the heart. Some people wear TED's ( anti embolism socks) however, these should be used with caution as they are usually tight and can cause pressure areas to increase, plus they don't tend to apply enough pressure at the ankle area. Stockings should aim to apply more pressure at the ankle to aid in the removal of oedema. Drs also advise that you elevate your legs whenever you can and that you massage am and pm, and moving your legs ( by hand) periodically. They also advice to drink 8 glasses of water a day to assist in the water removal process.

Other reasons for leg oedema include: some Diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones can cause Peripheral oedema, these drugs increase your body's sensitivity to insulin.

Venous insufficiency may also lead to peripheral oedema when linked to Deeep vein Throbosis.

Other causes include, Heart Failure, Kidney disease, Cirrhosis and Sometimes if a person is taking Diuretics, it may be an indication that they are not being effective.


I hope that this helps and you resolve it as far as possible,
out of interest, did they do a Doppler scan and/or dye test to rule out DVT?

Take care,

K

PS, forgot to mention fluid retention/Oedem due to "gravity" are usually better after elevating over night etc..

This post has been edited by kewlcatkez: 04 January 2008 - 11:39 PM

[darrel]

I have the same problem also, I just had the ultra sound done too. (what a mess they make) any how I have been told that it could be caused by tone.. I have had this problem ever since I got the baclofen pump put in, I was told to try and keep my feet elevated makes for a boring time I also try to get some type of movement to get the blood flow going. being c5/c6 incomplete I am able to stand for short time and stagger short distances. I try to do squats and stretching along with walking this does seem to help.

good luck with your feet

[Mikerowaved]

darrel, on Jan 4 2008, 08:18 PM, said:

I have had this problem ever since I got the baclofen pump put in...

Should have told the doc the catheter goes in your spine, not your ankle!


(Sorry, couldn't resist.)