Reducing dose

[kathyrob]

I have recently been suffering with swelling of legs and feet which has been very painful. Finally got in touch with surgery and they said I need to see physio.I was given exercises to relieve the swelling,didn't work. Legs still painful and ankles swollen too. Do I need to try and reduce steroids as finding it difficult to walk. I've had very useful advice from all before so I await your answers thanks in advance.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I think you need a proper diagnosis! I assume you are also doing the usual things like elevating your feet whenver you can? Have support stockings been mentioned?

I had swollen feet and ankles and had all the usual suggestions but not a lot of interest and then in January I had an ablation for atrial fibrillation which had been severe although the "cankles" predated the deterioration in the a/fib. And within days both feet were back to my normal! I told the cardiologist who did the ablation at the follow-up appointment - I hadn't seen her before the procedure and then only for a minute when she introduced herself so it wasn't her fault no-one had connected it with heart!

[kathyrob in reply to PMRpro]

Update on my swollen legs took advice and rang for an appointment. Saw Nurse practioner at surgery. Said my problem was lymphoedema been referred to a clinic whenever no other treatment as diuretics interfere with my kidneys. Just waiting game now. Thank you for your help.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to kathyrob]

That is better. Though to be fair - where I live you would probably see a physio because they do manual lymph drainage which can help a lot.

This may be interesting

lymphoedema.org/

and you will find lots of info on the various cancer support sites as it often develops as a result of lymph node removal during surgery.

[SnazzyD]

Did they give you the diagnosis that suggested a physio was the correct approach? Seems odd to me.

[kathyrob in reply to SnazzyD]

No diagnosis but weeks before told it was oedema. Don't see Dr's all done by receptionist suggesting who I see.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to kathyrob]

In that case I think a complaint to the practice manager would be in order. Oedema is not a diagnosis - it is a symptom due to an underlying problem. And that must be diagnosed correctly. NOT by the receptionist. First you need a healthcare professional - at least a nurse but preferably a doctor.

[SnazzyD in reply to kathyrob]

Goodness that’s bad if you told them you had swollen feet and legs. That can be a sign of bigger medical issues unrelated to your musculoskeletal bits. You need to get a doctor’s appointment, get yourself sorted and then put in a complaint.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

Yes - I meant to mention that and forgot. Seems quite bizarre to start with a physio ...

[Thelmarina]

I had a painful swollen leg which turned into a DVT. GP put me on antibiotics that were inappropriate as I needed a blood thinner. I wound up in A&E on the advice of my Consultant niece. This is not to alarm you but it may be worth going to A&E just to ensure the cause, especially as you have not been seen by a GP. Physio is nonsense in the circumstances and may make your symptoms worse. Check for heat in the swelling. The very best of luck. I found the pain horrible! ❤️ Do let us know how you go.

[Viv54]

I take BP tablets they can cause swelling in my case they do, also if you read the leaflet in the Pred box they also can cause swelling. I have had swelling in my legs on and off. See your GP . Mine gave me water tablets, the problem i have atm im not doing as much walking due to waiting for a new hip. Walking gets rids of my swollen ankles usually . Sometimes just by putting my feet up for a while does the trick. But like the others say you need to get it checked out with your GP. Good luck . Viv

[kathyrob in reply to Viv54]

Thank you will take advice from you all and get back to Dr's on Monday.