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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Purple Swelling On Feet And Sores On Toes?

I'm concerned about my 83 year old mother-in-law. I noticed that her feet are swollen, are purple, and she has sores on the tips of most of her toes. She is not always up front and honest about her health and medical concerns, but she tells us she is diabetic and that her doctor tells her it is under control, and she needs no medication for it. Because of her age and fear of going into a nursing home, she resents anyone who questions her about her health, and wants everyone to "mind their own business". We understand that at some point we may need to step in and give some support that she may not appreciate, but just don't know if this is one of those times. What cold be going on with her feet?
Mon, 8 Jun 2015
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello there,
If your mother-in law is diabetic then in that disease process both nerves and blood vessels start to undergo damage especially if the diabetes has been there for more than 10 years. The vessels do not deliver blood that well to her peripheries and hence she has staggered circulation . this leads to blood not getting emptied fully and pooling under the skin leading to purple patches. The sores are because she is not able to feel pain that well so even though there is a wound she cannot feel its pain.These are called trophic ulcers.

She needs to be monitored, Her sores may need alternate day dressings and her blood sugar levels should remain under control.this will heal the above mentioned conditions well enough.

Hope this helps,
Please feel free to address any further queries to me,
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What Causes Purple Swelling On Feet And Sores On Toes?

Hello there, If your mother-in law is diabetic then in that disease process both nerves and blood vessels start to undergo damage especially if the diabetes has been there for more than 10 years. The vessels do not deliver blood that well to her peripheries and hence she has staggered circulation . this leads to blood not getting emptied fully and pooling under the skin leading to purple patches. The sores are because she is not able to feel pain that well so even though there is a wound she cannot feel its pain.These are called trophic ulcers. She needs to be monitored, Her sores may need alternate day dressings and her blood sugar levels should remain under control.this will heal the above mentioned conditions well enough. Hope this helps, Please feel free to address any further queries to me,