Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Dr Branch Answered A Question Of Ours Some Time Ago
Question: Dr Branch answered a question of ours some time ago and he followed up with a query, recently, as to how we were doing. I would like to ask him this question. My wife has a serious infection in her left knee, long running. Of late her leg below the knee is swollen. Could that mean the infection is spreading. She hasn't changed any activity that would cause that as far as we know. Her infectious disease Dr didn't have an answer. I don't know what specialist would be best to address this question.
Brief Answer:
Could be infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, it is good to hear back from you. Yes, further swelling of the leg could certainly be due to worsening infection. It may also be due to other causes, such as swelling in the knee (from inflammation not due to infection) could also cause swelling in the leg below the knee. But with her history of knee infection in that knee, I would be concerned for a worsening infection, especially if she is also having increased pain or fever. Either way, I would advise that she be seen soon for this, if there has been a change since the last time you saw a doctor. If you would like to send a picture of her leg, I might also be able to give a more specific opinion about what it might be as well.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Could be infection.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again, it is good to hear back from you. Yes, further swelling of the leg could certainly be due to worsening infection. It may also be due to other causes, such as swelling in the knee (from inflammation not due to infection) could also cause swelling in the leg below the knee. But with her history of knee infection in that knee, I would be concerned for a worsening infection, especially if she is also having increased pain or fever. Either way, I would advise that she be seen soon for this, if there has been a change since the last time you saw a doctor. If you would like to send a picture of her leg, I might also be able to give a more specific opinion about what it might be as well.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any questions about any of that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
OK thanks for your prompt reply. The question is, now, the swelling goes down on some evenings. She is making an effort to keep that leg elevated. So maybe she should see a vascular DR? XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Likely venous stasis
Detailed Answer:
This is likely at least partly from venous stasis, in which the blood going to the leg has a harder time getting through the veins back to the heart. However, first I would make sure there was no infection, and I would also check to make sure there wasn't a blood clot in the leg. As long as those two diagnoses are ruled out, the leg could be treated for venous stasis with compression stockings, and horse chestnut extract is also now being used to help the blood flow easier. So I would recommend she see her doctor sometime soon, but I don't think she needs to see a vascular doctor at this point.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Likely venous stasis
Detailed Answer:
This is likely at least partly from venous stasis, in which the blood going to the leg has a harder time getting through the veins back to the heart. However, first I would make sure there was no infection, and I would also check to make sure there wasn't a blood clot in the leg. As long as those two diagnoses are ruled out, the leg could be treated for venous stasis with compression stockings, and horse chestnut extract is also now being used to help the blood flow easier. So I would recommend she see her doctor sometime soon, but I don't think she needs to see a vascular doctor at this point.
Please let me know if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to help any way I can.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
