Often, minor injuries can become more serious if left untreated. When you have a fracture, your first step should be to elevate the foot. Medications such as calcium channel blockers or vasodilators, which help keep smaller arteries open, may also be necessary. did you have a lot of pain with your discoloration? Make sure the bandage is not too tight so as not to cause further damage. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Regardless of the cause, fractures are painful and can limit your mobility. Medical treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the foot. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. Consultations on DoctorSpring are not a substitute for physical consultation with a doctor or to hospital services. You may want to discuss this with a dermatologist. Below are things you can do when you notice discoloration on your foot after cast removal: Although it doesnt happen often, a very tight cast may put too much pressure on your nerves. Be sure you wear clothing that protects all parts of your body from cold exposure. If youve been keeping your foot above heart level when your cast was still on, youll most likely experience your foot turning purple once you try to put it down after removing it. For instance, a very tight cast may damage your nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles which results in discoloration. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. I forget what it's called on my left foot and fractured my right ankle. Taking pain medications and lightly wrapping the injury with a bandage may also help. Its common for post-op patients to have discoloration on their feet after cast removal. The following is a list of health concerns that can affect the circulation and color of your feet: Ischemia refers to a reduction in healthy blood flow in one or more arteries. Thank you so much for making me feel better and more hopeful. Why did you have to have surgery? Sometimes, improper care and management of your foot following surgery and after your cast removal will contribute to your foot turning dark, blue, or purple. (2018). The exact cause of Covid toes is still unknown. Poor circulation in the feet is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), Raynauds disease, lupus, and diabetes. In severe cases, purple or blue feet can be a sign of a serious medical condition. When blood clots develop in veins deep in your legs and dont resolve on their own (deep vein thrombosis or DVT), they may travel through your bloodstream and can reach your lung resulting in pulmonary embolism (PE). how long does it last. I hope that this helps and that you turn the corner in your recovery soon. Blood flow to the feet is vital for the body to heal, so its important to keep your ankle elevated to avoid any swelling. Cold temperatures can reduce circulation in your hands and feet because your body prioritizes healthy circulation to your internal organs over normal blood flow to the extremities. But doctors should only turn to that in the most extreme situations after other treatments have failed. He said probably be another 12 weeks before I am getting around without anything. Your doctor may also prescribe you anticoagulants and blood thinners to prevent new clots from forming. Why My Foot Turns Purple When Not Elevated After Injury The symptoms of a sprain can worsen if you do not rest and elevate your ankle. Thank you Andrew and all of you writing here. 7 weeks off work now with no pay. If you experience swelling and pain in your foot, it is a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. If you have ischemic foot, it means your foot isnt getting an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty. Your feet carry you through life, so take their health very seriously. Raynauds syndrome is a vascular response , in which, there is constriction of blood vessel, as a response to certain stimuli, not only cold exposure, Raynaud's disease is a condition that causes some areas of your body such as your fingers, toes, the tip of your nose and your ears to feel numb a You misinterpret the color of your feet for "poor circulation". Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. When theres too much pressure, it will cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles in the area covered with your cast. In severe cases, a purple foot may signal blood clots, restricted blood flow in your blood vessels, diabetes, hematoma, and other circulatory problems in your lower legs. It is also important to rest, but not bed rest. Acrocyanosis episodes tend to persist. How to improve poor circulation in the feet - Medical News Today If youre experiencing pain after an injury, a doctor may recommend rest and ice. Ice your foot for about 20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 48 hours, then 2 to 3 times a day. Why is my foot turning purple after ankle injury? I thought that would dissapear with the swelling going down but apparently that's not the case. Bones generally unites within 6-8 weeks, till then there is increased blood flow to affected area to supply nutrients to affected part for healing. A foot sprain can be painful and difficult to walk. If nothing significant is causing your foot to turn purple, then expect it to eventually go away as you heal. I did lots of physio which was essential as non weight bearing your muscles atrophy and t really helps to build up the muscles again. Thank you both for your help. Andrew I too want to thank you for your email you have helped me already. I'm just two weeks post op and my stitches aren't even out yet. I've tried keeping my foot down toward to floor for longer periods of time and it just makes the swelling and discoloration worsen the longer it is down and actually has started taking long to regain color. You should consult your doctor if you have purple feet. A very tight feeling in your cast could be due to swelling from your injury. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Frostbite occurs when your skin is exposed to severe cold. Sometimes doctors and nurses get a little insensitive, but it is their job to take care of you the patient. Hemosiderin staining usually happens on the lower leg, near the ankles, or on your feet. Why do my feet turn purple when I stand - HealthTap My husband had surgery for a pilon fracture of his right ankle and a compound fracture of his tibia and break of his fibula 4 weeks ago. The affected areas may also appear swollen and have cuts or bruises that dont heal properly. I'm 80 percent weight bearing. appropriate medical assistance immediately. If youre unsure of the cause, see your doctor. - maybe tingles when your feet touches the ground for the first times. When you are experiencing foot discoloration after surgery, it could be caused by a medical condition known as purple toe syndrome. (1999). Now at 4.5 weeks it still swells and gets uncomfortable if it is down for an hour or two without putting the foot up, but it is definitely improving dramatically and no longer gets purple. Some foot discolorations can be a sign of a serious medical problem, so its important to seek medical care if this discoloration persists. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL AND VERY HELPFUL SITE! Over time, this can reduce normal circulation, especially to your lower legs and feet. A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. Your doctor may prescribe medications, such as metformin, to help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. So your foot gets red and purple still when you put it down? So I was curious if you had any of the same issues or just what prompted you to get it looked at by a different Dr. Causes include frostbite and. MEDNET Quality Board. Regardless of the type of injury, you should consult a qualified podiatrist for proper care. My best to you and please keep us up to dateBeth. my toes will even go white. If it continues to happen and even worsen over the weekend, call first thing Monday and get in there. Please feel free to discuss further.With best wishes. There are several possible reasons why the foot may turn in after hip replacement surgery. CLICK HERE INSTEADvar cid='1957822116';var pid='ca-pub-1552388110506181';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} There are two types of Raynauds: primary and secondary. While this is a slow process, I am also a very active person and got very down in the first few weeks without being able to even get up to the bathroom without the purple/swelling/pain. Foot discoloration is common after a foot injury, but it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. This causes your toes or feet to turn blue, purple, or gray. I had the cast taken off 2 weeks after surgery and told to wear the boot cast that I had been wearing on the left foot due to a bad sprain on that ankle at the same time and breaking the left. I saw my surgeon and he diagnosed me with RSD. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified I was released and sent home from the hospital the morning after surgery and was in excruciating pain for several weeks. By the way, millions of websites could use yours as a guideline on how to organize information and make the site user-friendly. I'd give the Dr.'s office a call and talk about it. In serious cases, nerve surgery that removes tiny nerves from around blood vessels in your affected feet or hands may help lessen the response to cold temperatures. Bruises may take up to 2 weeks before they go away. Resting and elevating the affected area may boost healing. How long after you've have foot surgery does that initial discoloration resolve? $35 for typical specialist consult vs. $120 for a local appointment. Poor circulation means inadequate arterial supply (blood rich in oxygen). I usually do my research on the Mayo clinic website. National Institutes of Health Good Luck! respect of any healthcare matters. Foot Discoloration Treatment & Causes | Center for Vascular Medicine The condition can affect one or more toes and lead to tissue death and ulceration. Avoid scrubbing or scratching. but there are other causes of color changes. I notice when boot is off, primarily in the shower--my foot turns a lovely shade of purple. The affected areas may also appear swollen and have cuts or bruises that don't heal properly. If youve recently suffered an ankle injury, you may be wondering why your foot is turning purple. 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. You may have had bruises that temporarily turned part of your skin a shade of black, blue, or purple. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. 5. or something else? respect of any healthcare matters. You really need to see a doctor and get an exam and some blood Dr. Shaym Puppala and another doctor agree. Do not put the bag of ice directly on your skin. The two are different conditions, and they require different treatment. We'll tell you the many benefits (and one risk) of keeping your feet cozy at night. Dr. A. Holly Johnson, MD Assistant Attending Orthopaedic Surgeon Foot and Ankle Specialist 420 East 72nd Street New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212-203-0740 Fax: 212-202-4764 Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. I also have a sharp pain where I assume The screw is that is holding the bone together. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Its normal to have discoloration on your foot after cast removal. Because you havent been moving it normally following your injury or surgery, your body will have difficulty circulating the blood to and from your feet. (2018). Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. How do I know if my foot injury is serious? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. We are sorry, but we have a technical restriction of 5 files & max. A foot fracture can occur from an accident, increased activity, or repetitive activity. There is very minimal swelling remaining, so I cannot figure it out. I thought by now that issue would have fixed itself. The meaning of the term acrocyanosis is bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreased oxygenation to the extremity. PT on Friday for the first time--working on ROM. Why do my feet turn blue when I am sitting. Blood reaches. Foot discoloration can result from minor foot injuries, Raynauds disease, peripheral arterial disease, or frostbite. Some people have external fixation, where the hardware is outside of the skin. Sounds like there may a circulatory problem when your foot has weight on it. Its usually caused by spasms of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin. Blood reaches your feet through a network of arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart. The doctor explained that the foot turned purple when there's a blockage in one of the arteries that supply blood to the lower leg and ankle. In some cases, however, the cause may be more complicated. When you drop something on your foot or hit your leg hard into something, these cause small blood vessels under your skin to break. This is indicative, of the blood not wanting to go back to your heart. Are you a top Doctor? Had to wait 2 weeks for ORIF and now I'm soon 3 weeks post op. Foot & Ankle Problems: Bunion Surgery & Purple Foot! Test result. 57 users are following. During this time, you may wear protective footwear or use crutches to get around. Keep in mind that you are the patient, the doctor and nurse are not suffering with a purple foot, you are. .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. Either way, the cast may also have put pressure on the arteries and veins in your foot, resulting in restricted blood circulation and causing your foot to turn dark, blue, or purple. Thank you Andrew. Treat it carefully and have it evaluated by a doctor. The swelling will definitely go down, you're only early in your recovery. Apply an ice pack within 48 hours following an injury on your leg or feet. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in People with COVID toes may experience other symptoms like blisters, itching, pain, raised and painful bumps, and rough areas of skin on their toes. You could also have a blood clot thats blocking blood flow in an artery. This discoloration can also occur after major foot surgery. Diabetes leads to circulation problems because high levels of blood sugar can damage the walls of your arteries. Was bedridden and had complications of pressure sores from the splints and casts and was very discouraged. Additionally, because you havent moved your foot as you do before surgery, the veins on your foot experience difficulty returning blood to your heart. It happens because your legs have been accustomed to having it elevated. A physician can perform an x-ray or MRI to determine if there is a fracture or a ligament injury. It really has helped. Detailed Second Opinion with Recommendations & Answers. Your doctor should discuss your treatment options with you. Low-grade fevers that last after one week or those that are above 100.5 degrees at any time after surgery may not be normal. In addition, bruising or other types of tissue damage can make your feet purple or blue. If I put my foot down for 5 minutes it is so blue half way up the leg and swells bad and hurts, any ideas? Elevating a broken ankle after injury helps reduce swelling and encourages the bodys natural healing process. Keeping your toes in tip-top shape is key to staying pain-free. While this is relatively common and usually temporary, it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. This condition has shown up in people with negative and positive infection results. To learn more, please visit our. Hello,Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring. This causes your toes or feet to turn blue, purple, or gray. If your purple foot is caused by an underlying health condition, you may need to receive several conservative treatments, take medications or undergo surgery. (1996). I have fractured my 1st, 2nd and 4th ??? If you have a leg brace, splint, or boot, it will keep you from moving your foot. I can't imagine what kind of bruising you'd get three months post-op. Depending on the severity of your foot fracture, non-weight bearing may be necessary for a few weeks to allow your foot to heal. If the pain persists, your health care provider will order an x-ray or MRI scan to look for a fracture or ligament injury. For most people that means a target fasting blood sugar measurement of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. I had developed a blood clot, and if a coworker hadn't suggested the possibility, it never would have occurred to me. This could include toes. So, please take it slowly and avoid high-impact activities. A violent red, sometimes purple. Initial frostbite and other cold-weather injuries can be treated by warming, soaking the affected skin in a warm bath for half an hour or so, and letting it air dry. Read our editorial policy. Usually, your feet, hands, ears, and face are most at risk. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. Dr. Bennett Werner answered. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-foot_pain_explained_com-medrectangle-4-0');MedlinePlus. This will reduce swelling. The orthopedic surgeon nor his office informed me of anything to keep an eye out for that may indicate possible complications only telling me I was to be total non weight barring for 6 weeks from the date of surgery, fitting me for a boot after removing stitches and sent me on my way. Sometimes cold temperatures can cause the narrowing of blood vessels and lead to blue-tinged skin.. Just Submit your question and rest assured that you will consult a Doctor easily. Yes: You are too young to have bad circulation but there are other causes of color changes. Is there any specific exercises or movement that he can do to help him heal? Once you put it in its usual position, your body will take time to circulate blood to and from your feet. Now trying pitting it down for short time 5 mins And then elevated for 5 mins to try and get circulation back Also quite painful at times still. These will go away over time. A fracture can be diagnosed through x-rays. V glad to read these comments as now getting paranoid with friends saying it's taking so long and thinking I should be up and about by now.. i had surgery on my calcaneous 4 weeks ago tomorrow. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. The service offers expert opinions of qualified doctors and medical advice on various medical conditions, medical diagnosis and treatment and it does not include a direct medical diagnosis, treatment or prescription. Posts: 402. I can't wait for them to get better. It's either up and looks perfect, or down and bright red. I am 43, weigh around 107 - 110, and am in excellent health. Diabetes. I also still have pain on inner ankle. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. I have been battling an ear issue which causes severe pain and vertigo, and that is really slowing my recovery (hard to start walking when your dizzy) but I am just so worried about the foot/leg. Starting rehab next week and have been using a knee scooter for 2 weeks which has given me new found freedom and gotten rid of the depression from being bedridden with my leg elevated like a ballerina frozen in mid dance for so many weeks. Had an xray at the same time which they were happy with. Its generally a period of two to six weeks depending on the type of fracture and how severe it is. Bottom line is what you are going through is completely normal, and at least for me started to improve dramatically right around the same time as where you are at. This is because walking will get the blood flowing and pump fresh, red, blood into your feet. Its important to let your surgeon know when cast complications occur. Risk factors for ischemic foot include: In addition to toes and feet turning purple, you may have pain in your feet and lower legs when walking. I used a wheelchair for most of that, as I am pretty hopeless with crutches. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Notes on Foot still turning red and purple after ORIF, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/foot-still-turning-red-and-purple-after-orif-673298. Then, about a week or two ago I noticed it had returned whenever I stood (cooking, at the sink, standing in line) or sat at my desk doing work. Factors that may cause blue toe syndrome include the following: Blocked arteries Damaged blood vessels Restricted blood flow Kidney failure Medications like blood thinners or coagulants and recreational drugs Complications during a medical procedure such as a surgery Angiogram. 4 years ago, 8 weeks post op still have purple foot that feels full when foot down. If the damage to your foots circulation is so severe that theres a risk of foot tissue dying, amputation may be necessary. appropriate medical assistance immediately. I am 4 months post op from a bunionectomy and I still have a purple foot when I sit or stand. TKR - Purple swollen leg 5 days post-replacement 3 months post-op, foot turning purple! - HealthBoards The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. I walk pretty normal now, however, I do have a built up shoe now. This article reviews the top 5 ways to increase your. I started PT 2 weeks ago and all has improved quite quickly. A broken foot can be extremely painful and greatly restrict your mobility. It may travel to areas on your foot that werent operated on and may go up and down. The condition also usually affects women more often than men. Good luck with your recovery and absolutely commit to your PT. I greatly admire someone like you who would donate and dedicate so much time and effort to helping strangers with no compensation. Keep your leg elevated and if you are really worried, see your doctor/ surgeon. Please email files Hi thank thanks for reply. Purple Foot After Cast Removal (Why It Happens & What You Can Do) If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. Avoid strenuous activities like sports unless your doctor says its finally okay. Your care-coordinator takes care of everything - collecting records, matching medical Experts. I'm fitted with a plate and a few screws. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. I have to keep telling myself that there are others in a worse position than me. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. Blue toe syndrome, also known as occlusive vasculopathy, is a form of acute digital ischaemia in which one or more toes become a blue or violet colour. What Animal Makes A Coughing Sound At Night, Mets Record By Month 2021, Nome, Alaska Missing Persons Statistics, Articles F
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