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What Causes Swelling In Ankle, Back Pain And Constipation?
Question: My 63 yo wife has one ankle swollen, and' /black and blue' from knee to ankle./recently developed back ache and constipation
Brief Answer:
Dietary fibers are essential for a smooth bowel movement
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query. The swelling of the ankle does not seem to have any correlation to the backache and constipation. However, I request you to upload an image of the swollen ankle along with the normal ankle by the side so that I would be better able to comment. I am looking to find signs of inflammation. Please let me know how long this has been going on. I would also insist you to get the following tests done:
* Blood for uric acid, rheumatoid factor (RA factor), total counts, creatinine, fasting sugar
About the backache, it could either be due to muscle spasm or due to compression of the spinal nerves. I would insist you to get her the following X ray done:
* X ray of Lumbosacral spine (LS Spine) - AP and lateral (after bowel preparation)
Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic.
About the constipation, the entire presentation seems to be due to slowing down of the bowel movements. Our bowels have a forward propulsive movement which moves the food forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally eliminated as feces. My suggestions would be to:
* Spicy food has to be avoided.
* It is very important to exercise regularly.
* High dietary fiber intake has to be ensured. Plenty of green leafy vegetables are to be taken. Fiber supplements like psyllium husk can also be taken along. This has to be taken daily at dinner irrespective of whether the problems are present.
* She has to drink plenty of water.
A clinical examination was actually important but that is unfortunately beyond scope. I would wait for you to upload the report.
Regards
Dietary fibers are essential for a smooth bowel movement
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone through your query. The swelling of the ankle does not seem to have any correlation to the backache and constipation. However, I request you to upload an image of the swollen ankle along with the normal ankle by the side so that I would be better able to comment. I am looking to find signs of inflammation. Please let me know how long this has been going on. I would also insist you to get the following tests done:
* Blood for uric acid, rheumatoid factor (RA factor), total counts, creatinine, fasting sugar
About the backache, it could either be due to muscle spasm or due to compression of the spinal nerves. I would insist you to get her the following X ray done:
* X ray of Lumbosacral spine (LS Spine) - AP and lateral (after bowel preparation)
Thanks for asking on Healthcaremagic.
About the constipation, the entire presentation seems to be due to slowing down of the bowel movements. Our bowels have a forward propulsive movement which moves the food forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally eliminated as feces. My suggestions would be to:
* Spicy food has to be avoided.
* It is very important to exercise regularly.
* High dietary fiber intake has to be ensured. Plenty of green leafy vegetables are to be taken. Fiber supplements like psyllium husk can also be taken along. This has to be taken daily at dinner irrespective of whether the problems are present.
* She has to drink plenty of water.
A clinical examination was actually important but that is unfortunately beyond scope. I would wait for you to upload the report.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Here is the photo of my wife's swollen left leg.
She is usually in excellent health. Weighs about 126 lbs.
thanks
She is usually in excellent health. Weighs about 126 lbs.
thanks
Brief Answer:
Image not attached.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. I waited for some hours but still did not find the image attached. It is possible that you have not attached it at the right place. You can retry it. Alternatively you can email it to YYYY@YYYY with the Query ID or my name mentioned in the subject and it would be redirected to me.
Also consider getting the tests done as suggested.
Regards
Image not attached.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. I waited for some hours but still did not find the image attached. It is possible that you have not attached it at the right place. You can retry it. Alternatively you can email it to YYYY@YYYY with the Query ID or my name mentioned in the subject and it would be redirected to me.
Also consider getting the tests done as suggested.
Regards
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
Answered by
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