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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Inflammation, Numbness And Swelling In The Lower Legs?

I have had a reddening of both lower legs, increased swelling and increased numbness of both feet and hands. I was dx with COPD about 3 yrs ago and of course stopped smoking that very day I went to the er with SOB. I also have asthma and have been on Breo and Spiriva. Thinking the swelling was a result from a recent L knee scope, my Dr put me on Dyazide. With a sudden lack of activity I have gained close to 100# since 2010 when I had my first knee scope, ORIF of L ankle, ORIF of R rotator cuff and Dec L knee scope which soon will need a repeat surg. Due to atypical chest pain, I just had a stress (chemical and tredmil) test and thee result was normal. So, now I am thinking either CHF or Pulmonary Hypertension. What test should I ask my Dr. to do next to rule these out or make it conclusive Dx? I am 62 no family hx / adopted.
Tue, 3 Oct 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can.
This may be caused by three things. Neuropathy or ischemic changes in legs or celulitis.
Cellulitis which is inflammation of subcutaneous tissues and may develop into diabetic foot with redness or pain in legs. Neuropathy may also be caused by diabetes but also other metabolic causes may be present or injury of spine. It is presented with burning pain without skin changes.
Last, ischemic changes happens due to poor circulation in legs.
If this is not your case then these symptoms are indicating circulatory problems in legs which are common in this age and there may be present atherosclerosis that obstructs blood vessels and causes pain and blisters to form.
You should do Doppler ultrasound of the leg or CT angiography to rule out such obstructive changes and then it can be treated properly by medications or by surgical and radiological procedures.

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What Causes Inflammation, Numbness And Swelling In The Lower Legs?

Hi and welcome to Healthcaremagic. I understand your concerns and I will try to help you as much as I can. This may be caused by three things. Neuropathy or ischemic changes in legs or celulitis. Cellulitis which is inflammation of subcutaneous tissues and may develop into diabetic foot with redness or pain in legs. Neuropathy may also be caused by diabetes but also other metabolic causes may be present or injury of spine. It is presented with burning pain without skin changes. Last, ischemic changes happens due to poor circulation in legs. If this is not your case then these symptoms are indicating circulatory problems in legs which are common in this age and there may be present atherosclerosis that obstructs blood vessels and causes pain and blisters to form. You should do Doppler ultrasound of the leg or CT angiography to rule out such obstructive changes and then it can be treated properly by medications or by surgical and radiological procedures. I hope I have answered you query. If you have any further questions you can contact us in every time.