Pain

[mary291]

I have been to the doc like four or five times about the welling and the pain i am having in my anlkles and the back of my legs. No Doctor here can tell me why. They come in and tell me " I DON'T KNOW " some one must have an answer. I dont know what else to do. can someone tell me why?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Mary,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Management Forum. I am very sorry that you are experiencing undiagnosed pain. We know how very frustrating that can be. Personally I searched for over ten years and gave up.... until an astute physician recognized my pain and diagnosed it within a week. She saved my life. I wish the same for you.... only I hope it occurs much sooner!

Are you legs or ankles discolored? Are they warm to touch? Do you have pitting edema, meaning when you push on your swollen area does the skin indent and remain indented? Is it a small amount of indentation or grossly noticeable?

I suspect you must trust your PCP and have some history with him/her however I really think it is time to seek a second opinion. In my opinion before you begin treatment you truly need to find the underlying cause. I am far from an expert... in anything!. These are just my personal thoughts, suggestions and opinions.

Lower extremity edema (swelling) can arise from multiple issues, from a Cardiac Disease or Insufficiency, to PAD (Peripheral Artery Disease) including all other circulatory problems, to Arthritic like changes or condition(s)... and more.  What diagnostic tests have been ordered? What have they ruled out?

How's your salt intake? The first thing I would do is to reduce as much sodium in your diet as possible. Inactivity can play a part in dependant edema so increasing your activity (unless medically contraindicated) may be beneficial. Include rest periods several times per day where you elevate your lower extremities to at least cardiac level or above.

Unless contraindicated applying support hose before you ever get out of bed in the morning may also be beneficial..... and that means putting them in place prior to your first bathroom trip. The key is to stop the blood and fluids from pooling in the lower extremities which is best done before you rise.

If the pain is extreme you deserve a level of comfort. There are medications that will reduce fluid in your system and treat your edema. There are also medications, if indicated or required that will reduce your pain levels. However if the fluid is reduced then hopefully the pain will also be reduced.  

Be assertive. You are your own best health care advocate. Again if your current PCP is unable or unwilling to find the source of your pain and fluid retention then move on to someone that will listen and investigate. If you have been with this physician for some time and have trust in him/her then I may give him/her one last shot. Be loud and clear, enough is enough. After four or five appointments you should have some answers.  

I hope you will let us know how you are doing. I will be very interested in your updates. If you care to add additional information please feel free to do so.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[achilles2]

It is very frustrating not getting answers I would recommend going to another doctor, one that will listen you and not try to "put you in a box." Also has anyone ordered any blood test and an ultrasound? (One thing you might try that could help is going on a gluten free diet because gluten increasing inflammation.)

I hope you get your answers,
achilles2