Cellulitis after effects?? Still painful, red/purple marks. NORMAL OR NOT??

[ceekruz]

A couple years ago i was in an accident and received an injury to my shin, deep impact wound down to the bone. I developed a case of cellulitis, was awful, but took my antibiotics, wound healed, etc. I did get one recurrence since then, antibiotics again, it went away.

Since then my foot hasn't been the same. I have constant pain on the inner ankle, just below the ankle bone, same place has red/purple marks that are sensitive to the touch and really hurts and the scar from my wound just gets worse over time. I do have swelling and pain if i'm on my feet too much, unfortunately my job requires me on my feet.

I don't know what to make of this, i don't have an active infection and the doctors don't know what to make of it cuz there is no infection, so what is going on?

Do i have permanent damage now?

Has anyone dealt with something like this. Im desprite for help, i'm always in pain and my leg and ankle look aweful. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[Lynora]

Yes, the effects of a severe cellulitis infection can be long term. Have you had blood tests or a scan of the affected leg to rule out infection in the bone?

The purple marks are possibly hemosiderin stains, caused by iron rich blood which has leaked into the soft tissues as a result of the trauma, compounded by the infection.

Does the swelling go out if you rest/elevate the leg? If you gently press into the area with the pad of your thumb, does the skin form a dent which lasts more than 20 seconds? If this happens, there may be lymphoedema.

You really should push for more tests or referral to orthopaedics, vascular and even dermatology (to assess for lymphoedema). If lymphoedema is confirmed, you should be referred to a lymphoedema clinic, who would assess you and fit you with compression garments, which may be helpful if you are on your feet all day.

Where do you live?

[ceekruz in reply to Lynora]

Thank you for that info, i got more from that then i have yet. Thank you for taking the time.

I live in Boise

I have not had any tests as this is so new to me and the doctors ive seen just say "oh, no cellulitis now, you get a fever come back asap, thank you come again"

Bone infection, that's not good, yikes!

It does sound like it could be the hemosiderin, it looks almost like an intense blotchy bruise. and it is painful!

yes it does feel better and reduces swelling when i elevate it. Sometimes during the day i'll have to stop, drop and lift that leg straight up in air to relieve the pain and pressure (had to explain that one a couple times) ;-] but it helps alot.

I don't seem to have a dent lasting 20 secs, i feel fluid and it's tender.

I do wear compression socks everyday, but not professionally fitted, maybe i need more compression.

Everything i've read, especially on this site, sounds like i'm in for a battle. So im thinkin it's all about maintenance and prevention, yes? Except for that bone infection thing! Any indicators that would tell me if that is so? Wouldn't i know by now if that's the case, or does the infection linger or move slowly to stay under the radar? If that makes sense.

Thanks for your help.

[Lynora in reply to ceekruz]

Press your MD for further diagnostics. Scans/blood tests etc - to rule out anything ‘nasty’ or lingering infection.

Perhaps you could check out some of the US forums (this one is based in London - I live in Scotland). Use the Search option (top right of page) and try the prompt ‘help in USA’.

[ceekruz in reply to Lynora]

Thank you very much, may i ask can an infection linger like that, without spreading and giving me the symptoms? Last actual infection i had was probably over a year ago.

And i will look into tests, if they know what tests to run. And yes i'll look into US help, had no idea i was getting help from over the pond. How the Web makes the world a smaller place eh.

Thanks again.

You have any other info that might help me or sites to go read i'm open for anything.

Take care

[Lynora in reply to ceekruz]

I sent you a PM - check out the little speech bubbles at the top left.

[Broomie]

Ceekruz, this is meant in the kindest way, but I'm so glad you posted this and to have read Lynoras reply.

Two years ago I was hospitalised twice with cellulitis in my right foot /leg and it was fine and normal until October last year when I took a bad bout of cramp, which lasted ages, when it passed my toes and foot went numb and since then my toes go beteen tingly and numb constantly and my ankle & foot aches then swells as soon as I'm on my feet. I went for physio and all he kept talking about was my weight and my gluts.

In the last few weeks I've lost 22lbs and its made no difference to that area (I feel a lot better within myself for it though). I have an appointment with my GP a week on Tuesday so I'm going to ask to be referred to vascular clinic. I already have lymphoedema in my chest wall, trunk and upper arm after mastectomy (same side as foot) and pray its not that.

I hope you get to the bottom of it so that you can get some relief as I totally relate to how you feel.

Take care and please let me know how you get on should you go to see vascular clinic.

[ceekruz in reply to Broomie]

I'm pleased to hear my neave, rambling post actually helped someone.

Yes, Lynora rocks for that reply. it was very helpful to me as well.

Good luck at the Dr's, hope you get answers, share if you do, I'll do the same.