2 months post surgical pitted edema and discoloration

[sgtanthony]

My husband had ankle surgery on Dec. 4th.  He had two procedures done including graphing/sealing a hole in his ankle bone and ligament tightening.  Sorry, I cannot remember the medical terminology for the first procedure.  He is non-weight bearing on crutches until at least Feb. 1, at his next appt. and doctor says it will probably be a cane after that? Not sure how he can go straight to a cane, where he will have to walk on his foot, when he has not been allowed to put any weight on it yet.  Also, the surgery was not laproscopic.  He has three large incisions on his ankle.  This is my question:

When he does not have his foot elevated, it turns purpley/red almost two months out.  He also has pitted edema from the top of his ankle down to nearly the tips of his toes.  I made him go see the doctor/surgeon and the doctor says these two things are normal and can continue to be that way at least another 8 months.  This doesn't seem right to me.  These two things are happening clearly because there are circulation/vascular issues.  I just don't think that pitted edema and the level of discoloration he is having is normal under any circumstances, let alone can be for another 8 months out.  Should we get a second opinion from another doctor?  The doctor is a surgical podiatrist who supposedly specializes in this kind of surgery, however, I have always felt he should have been operated on by an orthopedic surgeon.  He is in the military and unfortunately, this is who they send them to for these kinds of surgeries.  Would love opinions on whether we should get a second opinion on the edema and discoloration issues.  Thanks.

Kir

[wfrodgers25]

Hey I know it's four years later, but how did everything turnout. I have an almost identical issue. It's been two months, said maybe six more months.....frustrating. Thanks

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

I would also suggest you to check his blood pressure and also a doppler scan and a second opinion near a vascular surgeon who will rule out issues like peripheral artery disease or deep vein thrombosis risks etc.

With chronic injuries and inflammation the edema can continue. If he has edema in both feet then it is cause of worry!

Take care!

[sgtanthony]

Thanks so much for your reply.  A quick question if I could.  The ankle does not discolor when elevated, however the pitting edema does not go away when the foot is elevated, even after being elevated all night.  Do you still consider this normal?  Also, the comment his doctor made about it being normal for the ankle to still do this as far as 8 or months out, do you feel this is accurate?  Thank you again.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Whenever his foot is elevated he is able to clear the venous blood. There is venous stasis and inflammation with injuries, fractures and surgical procedures and this is normal. Give him intermittent anti inflammatory medications. Whenever he is sitting try to keep his legs elevated on a stool to avoid venous pooling. When his muscles and tendons will gain strength, after the inflammation subsides and with physical activity the edema will decrease. You can take a second opinion near an orthopedician, can go for a check X-ray and monitor his healing which is very important.

Take care!