Is this scar tissue ?

[mozzie12]

Hi, I recently had an infection in/over my left ankle. I had a fever of over 39C and redness and swelling over the ankle area. I had no history of any trauma.  I was admitted to hospital with celllulitis. Ultrasound showed "Hyperaemia, diffuse oedema, fluid within the anterior and posterior tibial tendons and within the retro achilles bursa. There is marked cellulitis present."

After 2 weeks of IV antibiotics and overlapping and ongoing oral antibiotics, I still have some mild redness and swelling present. My doctor tells me the blood tests show the infection is still present and I continue on oral antibiotics.

Since most of the swelling has gone away, I have been left with a discernible lump on my Achilles tendon. It's quite tender and seems to prevent the tendon from stretching. I can extend my foot and stand on my tip toes but I can't pull my foot upwards towards my body. This is due to a combination of stiffness and pain.

My doctor is a haematologist and as such is really only interested in the infection (I have a severe neutropenia).  On the other hand, I have to work in physically active job and I'd like some assurance that the tendon problem is a short term reaction to the infection and will heal eventually.  

What would have caused the lump and do you think it will go away? Do you think I should have some physiotherapy on the tendon or does the ongoing infection preclude this?

Thanks in advance for any responses to my questions.

mozzie12

[mozzie12]

Thanks for the advice.  

I have been to the physio twice now and she is doing quite a lot of treatment.  I'm having ultrasound, drainage massage (ouch), tens, heat/cold therapy and mobilisation. I do exercises at home.  She isn't real happy with the results so far and expected that the stiffness would have gotten better, but it hasn't.  So now she says that I ought to go to a podiatrist because my gait has been altered and I could start developing other joint/muscle problems.  I have been having left hip and right knee pain for the last couple of weeks and it never occurred to me that it could all be caused by my ankle.

I'm trying to establish a new vegie garden, and the weather is just perfect for planting at the moment.  I just wish I could squat, get up and down without pain.  I'm hopeful that it will get better in time.

Thanks again.

mozzie12

[Phill614]

Good morning Mozzie, i've had problems with my left ankle going on for over 20 years and now i get it scoped every couple years to clean out the garbage, what i'm getting at is i use a podiatrist, he specializes in only foot and ankles.  i don't want anyone else telling me whats wrong with my ankle because it's not there field such as this guy Dr. Vinod, he's a general practioner in India.  when and if you get a podiatrist to treat any ankle or foot related problems, do as much research about that doctor as you can don't just go for the one closest to the house.  good luck Mozzie   Phill

[mozzie12]

Thanks for the reply.  I have made an appointment to see the physiotherapist next week.

Thanks again.

mozzie

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You would need some physiotherapy but i would suggest you to undergo that after your cellulitis infection clears completely.
There is inflammation and collection of fluids, pus sometimes and this causes lumps. The infection will subside with IV antibiotics followed by oral antibiotics.
When your inflammation due to infection will subside then your pain, redness, heat and swelling will subside completely.

Then you can do some stretching exercises at your ankle joint and you can start them once your pain and inflammation is decreasing. You can do plantar flexion, dorsiflexion and side wise movements at the ankle joint.

Take care!