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Suggest Remedy For Pain And Swelling Around Fracture Site
Question: I have a non union of a fracture of the 5th metatarsal despite 5 surgeries. Last surgery 2+ years ago. Recent increase in pain, mild, around area of hardware. Seems like some shifting or swelling around hardware. Now midfoot pain when walking, on top of foot, worse first thing in the morning and again starting in early evening. Are the two issues related? The pain is tolerable
Brief Answer:
Please, get this hardware and toe evaluated!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I have reviewed your information and have the following comments.
1. Swelling around an implant always need to be evaluated as an infection here would not be easy to be treated unless aggressive measures are employed. Also, this leads to easy spread of infection to other areas. With swelling and pains, I will strongly recommend that you get this leg evaluated by your orthopedic surgeon. Basic exams like X-ray/MRI would be helpful in mapping the exact problem and addressing accordingly.
2. I would say the two are related until proven otherwise.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Please, get this hardware and toe evaluated!
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms and all the inconveniences this has caused you. I have reviewed your information and have the following comments.
1. Swelling around an implant always need to be evaluated as an infection here would not be easy to be treated unless aggressive measures are employed. Also, this leads to easy spread of infection to other areas. With swelling and pains, I will strongly recommend that you get this leg evaluated by your orthopedic surgeon. Basic exams like X-ray/MRI would be helpful in mapping the exact problem and addressing accordingly.
2. I would say the two are related until proven otherwise.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I'm curious to know if you think an infection could be possible two years after the last implant surgery? I thought that something like that would happen soon after the last surgery. Or could it be related to the osteomyelitis in the bone on the other foot last year (completed IV antibiotics 5/2014). I didn't know whether to get it checked now because the pain isn't terrible. Thanks for your response by the way! XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
An infection is possible!
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Even without an implant, a foot infection is always possible. With an implant, it makes it even more likely to occur than not.
Also, the fact that you had osteomyelitis last year is another bigger concern. I have no idea why this implant is still in there with a none union unless it is for some other structures unrelated too this fracture site.
In all, get it evaluated and addressed. We must rule out an infection before managing for pain alone.
I wish you well.
An infection is possible!
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Even without an implant, a foot infection is always possible. With an implant, it makes it even more likely to occur than not.
Also, the fact that you had osteomyelitis last year is another bigger concern. I have no idea why this implant is still in there with a none union unless it is for some other structures unrelated too this fracture site.
In all, get it evaluated and addressed. We must rule out an infection before managing for pain alone.
I wish you well.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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