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Post op swelling and pain 8 weeks

Posted , 9 users are following.

susan21687
susan21687

Hi there!

I am 8 weeks post op (left fibula malleolus repair requiring 1 screw to fix it, 58 years old) and am having trouble walking  even with crutches because my foot and lower part of my leg still have quite a bit of swelling. When I wear my brace it makes imprints in my leg that I can see when I take it off. If I press my finger into my flesh anywhere between my shin or on the top of my foot it slowly squishes down and a dent remains where my finger pressed down. It takes a few minutes to return to its normal state of puffiness. Is this normal?

It is too painful to walk on although I am pushing myself to walk on it as much as possible with 2 crutches. 

I am beginning to worry that it could be compartment syndrome, has anyone had experience with that ?

Thanks in advance for your reply! Susan

0 likes, 26 replies

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  • linda66990
    linda66990 susan21687

    Posted

    It sounds like pitting edema.  It's cause can be systemic or local.  I would call the doctor and explain your symptoms.  I would decrease salt intake and would not push yourself.  This injury is a process.  
    • susan21687
      susan21687 linda66990

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply! I am going to see my primary care physician today to get his opinion. I was feeling like I was being a hypochondriac and obsessing over the pitting. That is exactly what it is, based on my google search! :-) I only noticed that it had the pitting characteristic about a week ago but I am sure it's been going on for at least 4 weeks if not from the beginning.  Now I am glad I asked and am going to get his opinion. Will follow up with this post later... 
    • susan21687
      susan21687

      Posted

      After seeing my doctor, he confirmed that it is pitting edema and recommended RICE. I picked up some compression socks and put them on and it feels much better. I also bought a reusable gel pad that I am freezing now so I can Ice it. He also recommended massaging the foot and leg in an upward movement to help get he blood back up my leg so I bought a massager with metal ball bearings on it to roll around on everything - it feels really nice!
    • Patientholland
      Patientholland susan21687

      Posted

      I have never heard of a massage with metal bearings. Where do you get that from thank you
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