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What Causes Red Spots On Thighs And Swollen Feet?

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Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014
Question: A week ago i woke up to bright red spots from my upper thighs down to my feet. Later that day my ankles and feet were really swollen. My doctor wasnt sure what was wrong. Now it has been a week and my calves are now hard, feet still swollen and first spots faded but new ones have appeared. My wife took me to emerg because i cant walk now and my doctor admitted me but is still unsure of what is going on. Any suggestions?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please give details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
My first question would be : are the toes same as before (spared) or swollen ?
Are the inguinal lymph nodes swollen, palpable and tender to touch ?
Was the spots more of circular or line the form of streaks / lines?
Can you please post a good photograph/s?
Was the blood tested for routine CBC , filaria and others?
Ultrasonography and Color doppler study of the lower limbs, Inguinal area and abdomen for lymph nodes done ?
Are both the lower limbs affected, and if yes- were they affected at the same time?
Any visit to such places in recent past which is known for filaria or some tics and bites which can cause such problems?
Any associated symptoms like fever with chills ?
Please let me know the treatment you have taken and are still taking..

In the meantime-
Elevate both the lower limbs on a good full support to the whole limbs in lying down position in such a way that the ankles are above the heart level. This helps reduce the edema the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (17 minutes later)
Toes are still same. Right side started first and has beet affected more than the left since it started. Spots are mostly round bright red with no weeping or scabbing. Cbc came back normal. Platelets normal. They gave him a blood thinner inj when he was admitted to hospital lastnight but no change.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Lymphangitis.

Detailed Answer:
If the toes are spared, this is lymphedema. Toes sparing is classical only in this condition, rest all conditions the toes are equally swollen.

Most of the times this is idiopathic meaning no exact cause is known.
The thought of cause is in your case is lymphangitis meaning inflammation of the lymphatic channels. The blood thinners may not work.
CBC and platelets will be normal as in your case.
Please discuss this with your Doctor and he may start definitive as well as empirical treatment in the form of antibiotics to avoid secondary infection, Hetrazan or Banocid Forte- (diethylcarbamazine). Serratiopeptidase and whatever he feels suitable. All these are prescription medicines.

Please elevate the legs as suggested.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (6 hours later)
Got a second opinion and it turned out to be severe blood clots. This is a waste of money i guess.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Is this confirmed by color doppler ?

Detailed Answer:
Are the blood clots confirmed by ultrasonography with color doppler or MRI ?
You say the toes are spared - not edematous ?
Someone on the virtual world is taking all the time for you to help you with the best possible differential diagnosis, Sir.
Please give the feedback of the reports.
Wishing you an early recovery .
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19777 Questions

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What Causes Red Spots On Thighs And Swollen Feet?

Brief Answer: Please give details. Detailed Answer: Hi. My first question would be : are the toes same as before (spared) or swollen ? Are the inguinal lymph nodes swollen, palpable and tender to touch ? Was the spots more of circular or line the form of streaks / lines? Can you please post a good photograph/s? Was the blood tested for routine CBC , filaria and others? Ultrasonography and Color doppler study of the lower limbs, Inguinal area and abdomen for lymph nodes done ? Are both the lower limbs affected, and if yes- were they affected at the same time? Any visit to such places in recent past which is known for filaria or some tics and bites which can cause such problems? Any associated symptoms like fever with chills ? Please let me know the treatment you have taken and are still taking.. In the meantime- Elevate both the lower limbs on a good full support to the whole limbs in lying down position in such a way that the ankles are above the heart level. This helps reduce the edema the best.