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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Foot And Leg Swelling While On Treatment For An Infection?

My dad, 75 years old, has infection in his leg/knee being treated with 18 days of antibiotics (ceftriaxone, mid-pic line) in nursing home. His whole leg has been swollen from the infection and surgery since Nov 1st, but the swelling had subsided. Today, his foot of the leg that has the infection has swelled up to 2x his other foot. Doesn t sound good, right? Any ideas?
Mon, 21 Jan 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I agree that increased swelling suddenly is not a good sign. This could either be a sign of worsening infection, or possibly he has developed a blood clot in that leg, especially if he hasn't been mobile lately.

He needs to be evaluated for both immediately, as both causes would need urgent treatment.

A worsening infection would be indicated by worsening fever or increasing white blood cells on testing his blood.

They can check for a blood clot with ultrasound and possibly a blood test.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Foot And Leg Swelling While On Treatment For An Infection?

Hello, I agree that increased swelling suddenly is not a good sign. This could either be a sign of worsening infection, or possibly he has developed a blood clot in that leg, especially if he hasn t been mobile lately. He needs to be evaluated for both immediately, as both causes would need urgent treatment. A worsening infection would be indicated by worsening fever or increasing white blood cells on testing his blood. They can check for a blood clot with ultrasound and possibly a blood test. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Aaron Branch, General & Family Physician