Broken foot in lymphedema leg

[Kallenubble]

Hi everyone , I broke two metatarsal bones in my foot a few days ago, and even though it’s already a bit better, I worry because it’s the same foot that had a bad sprain four years ago which helped cause my lymphedema ( the rest is likely genetic), plus quite a bit of arthritis. Is it possible to prevent my lymphedema from getting worse because of this renewed trauma? I’ve been able to manage it quite well with compression and MLD from a physical therapist focused on lymphedema, and I would really like to keep it that way. Any advice??

[Lynora]

Is your foot in plaster or an air cast? If plaster - ask for it to be removed, and opt for a removable air boot. Get in touch with your physical therapist and get some hands in treatment - and if he/she uses it, ultrasound, to help speed the bone healing.

You are in Maine aren’t you? Just been watching the BBC News, showing the ice disc on the river in Westbrook - beautiful!

[Kallenubble in reply to Lynora]

Thanks for responding so quickly! It’s mostly in a sandal type boot because I have to have a flat hard bottom. The doctor said I need to keep up with lymphedema treatment but probably not get other physical therapy ( depending on how things are once the bones are healed) I wear 20-30 mg compression stockings, thigh high and open toe. Closed toe drove me crazy but now the main swelling is where the open toed stocking ends so I should probably get close toed stockings?

[Lynora in reply to Kallenubble]

Get therapy now, and plenty of rest/elevation in between. Avoid donning the garments for a few weeks - can you access Velcro compression?

You could try closed toe garments in a few weeks, once the bones are healed, but need to make sure the measurements,if made to measure, are accurate.

[Kallenubble in reply to Lynora]

Hi again, i do rest and elevate a lot; this is the slowest time of the year for me because we have an inn and it’s the off season. I have the overnight Velcro compression but it’s a pain in the butt to deal with and I feel unstable enough already ( I never made it enough of a habit because the full leg system makes it hard to move and bend). Can you let me know why I shouldn’t wear compression garments for a while? Thank you so much!!

[Lynora in reply to Kallenubble]

If there is additional swelling in the foot due to the fractures, the garment would cause severe pain.

[Kallenubble in reply to Lynora]

Thank you! I felt that way instinctively and didn‘t wear my regular stockings, except for half a day when they actually didn’t bother me ( maybe because I wasn’t very active while wearing them!). The one thing I‘m worried about is that this new trauma will eventually leave me with more swelling in the leg than I had before, for the long run. Anything I can do to lessen my chances in that regard?

[Lynora in reply to Kallenubble]

See your therapist, and if you don’t already,do daily SLD when applying emollient.