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I Am A 43 Year Old Male, Morbidly Obese And
Question: I am a 43 year old male, morbidly obese and an alcoholic. I quit smoking a 4 months ago. I am not diabetic yet, tested with fasting glucose at the my doctor last year, and I continue to monitor my blood glucose every other week or so. A month ago my left foot showed a lot of blotchy purple areas, seems more reddish now. I am not on any medication, I have elevated my foot, iced it, warm epsom soaks. There was never any trauma and no pain associated with it. I did notice a large increase in my blood pressure in the months after quitting smoking, not saying it caused it, I was pre-hypertension prior and now can test 162/93 on a rare day. I have been trying a calf compression sock this week and this is the the week it went from purple to red. I live in a rural area with daily obligations, so any opinion would help me in proceeding.
Brief Answer:
possible compromise with micro circulation of leg.guidelines below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query with attached photo image showing tiny red blotches over left foot and here is my advise.
* As per my surgical experience, the red blotches are in concern with
hampered micro circulation of the foot region most likely due to changes
in the small size blood vessel walls ( from previous smoking, border line
diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure ).
My guidelines at present
- Keep the leg elevated over 3-4 pillows when resting as already you are
doing.
- Avoid prolong sitting with dependent position of legs.
- Avoid calf compression which may worsen the already compromised micro
circulation.
- Avoid icing the part as there will be vaso constriction making issue more
worse.
- A home made turmeric paste application can help to some extent by its
ayurvedic properties.
- Keep diet restricted to salt free items only.
* I can understand your rural area restrictions and limited medical facilities,
but you have to manage to show up to nearby physician for primary
evaluation of foot condition with color doppler examination for blood
circulation pattern evaluation.
Would like to know the status of last blood sugar data if available with you during follow up discussion.
Wish you best recovery and health.
Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )
possible compromise with micro circulation of leg.guidelines below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query with attached photo image showing tiny red blotches over left foot and here is my advise.
* As per my surgical experience, the red blotches are in concern with
hampered micro circulation of the foot region most likely due to changes
in the small size blood vessel walls ( from previous smoking, border line
diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure ).
My guidelines at present
- Keep the leg elevated over 3-4 pillows when resting as already you are
doing.
- Avoid prolong sitting with dependent position of legs.
- Avoid calf compression which may worsen the already compromised micro
circulation.
- Avoid icing the part as there will be vaso constriction making issue more
worse.
- A home made turmeric paste application can help to some extent by its
ayurvedic properties.
- Keep diet restricted to salt free items only.
* I can understand your rural area restrictions and limited medical facilities,
but you have to manage to show up to nearby physician for primary
evaluation of foot condition with color doppler examination for blood
circulation pattern evaluation.
Would like to know the status of last blood sugar data if available with you during follow up discussion.
Wish you best recovery and health.
Regards.
Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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