I turns a deep dark purplish red. Adverse events did not seem to be any better or wors. Test result. How do I know if my foot injury is serious? During this time, your tendon grows back together. Thanks again! An internist is a good place to start. Again, I want or something else? Seek your doctor advice. I also have a sharp pain where I assume The screw is that is holding the bone together. I saw my surgeon and he diagnosed me with RSD. I notice when boot is off, primarily in the shower--my foot turns a lovely shade of purple. My foot is still discolored (bluish). Even minor injuries can cause discoloration on the skin of the foot. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Read about causes and symptoms of this type of heart disease. Apply an ice pack within 48 hours following an injury on your leg or feet. how long does it last. The blue color is caused by blood leaking into the affected area. If the foot discoloration persists, your doctor may recommend additional tests. The key to preventing ischemic foot is to manage your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Burning all over the purple bruising, and of course I can't do the bending I did last few days, due to swelling, but my helper was able to get my TedHose on. There is very minimal swelling remaining, so I cannot figure it out. Treatment for peripheral artery disease is often a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Also when you are WBAT you will experience swelling and discomfort when the foot is not elevated. In about two weeks, the bruise will return to a normal color. A blood clot in the leg can affect the veins that pump blood back to the heart, causing swelling. Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. During this time, you should avoid any activity that puts pressure on the injured ankle. Medical treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the foot. I'm concerned that like yourself the Dr who did my surgery didn't do it correctly. It is important to keep the foot elevated and in a protective position to decrease pain and prevent infection. The meaning of the term acrocyanosis is bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreased oxygenation to the extremity. appreciate it. Sometimes doctors and nurses get a little insensitive, but it is their job to take care of you the patient. Once you put it in its usual position, your body will take time to circulate blood to and from your feet. Hi Andrew thank you so much, this was really helpful. I have significant pain/discoloration/swelling, but when my foot is elevated its completely normal and no pain. 5. ago, & because of his complexion, we could see the difference in color so obviously. These will go away over time. Why is my foot black and blue after sprain. Blood clots can also form near the surface of your skin, known as superficial venous thrombosis. Your doctor will assess the injury to determine whether it is serious or not. While youre waiting for your doctors diagnosis, you can do a few simple things yourself to help. Thank you Andrew. It really has helped. Am I being really paranoid or do I have something to worry about? This is something that is starting to happen more and more frequently plus my heal is still completely numb and I cant move my last 3 toes. This is considered a medical emergency. Keeping your toes in tip-top shape is key to staying pain-free. Did you go thru the pain of the nerves healing and if so how long did it last ? Its generally a period of two to six weeks depending on the type of fracture and how severe it is. Injured feet can be difficult to treat and can limit your ability to walk or stand. And your site is so intelligently arranged. It can result to slow or poor blood circulation in that area. Was acctually thinking today that maybe i should as you said train my foot by having it down for longer periods. Red or purple color shows increased blood flow at that area.This should go away with time as he continue to walk. Thank you I. I spent a week in hospital because I didn't have anyone to look after me at home. 20MB size. Posts: 402. In order to properly assess your condition, a doctor should perform a thorough exam. It causes bruising on your skin, causing it to appear reddish-purple and become swollen and painful. If this happens, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. The swelling went down fairly quickly after the op and i got a cast after a week. Read our editorial policy. Blood flow to the feet is vital for the body to heal, so its important to keep your ankle elevated to avoid any swelling. This will help reduce swelling and reduce bruising. I am 60+ and weigh 200lbs. When theres too much pressure, it will cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles in the area covered with your cast. The pain may last for a few days or weeks. Your doctor will have specific guidelines on how long you should elevate your broken ankle. Posted Make informed and timely medical decisions. I am 43, weigh around 107 - 110, and am in excellent health. I am retired, just need to get back to the way life was before. If you have had the cast on for over 3 weeks, soak the area with warm water twice a day for 20 minutes. appropriate medical assistance immediately. I used theraband to stretch my calf as instructed by my surgeon to prevent extreme muscle wasting. Detailed Second Opinion with Recommendations & Answers. Is this really the be. This is because walking will get the blood flowing and pump fresh, red, blood into your feet. jennifer85262 It has been 4 1/2 months since my ORIF surgery. The blood pools under the skin . It hurts to walk on, I'm limping around, but when elevated feels tons better. Dont rub frostbitten skin. Some foot discolorations can be a sign of a serious medical problem, so its important to seek medical care if this discoloration persists. I am on meds but not making a difference. How long was it before you could walk again? If you suffer a foot injury, the first step is to see a doctor. This causes your toes or feet to turn blue, purple, or gray. Risk factors for ischemic foot include: In addition to toes and feet turning purple, you may have pain in your feet and lower legs when walking. Often, both common symptoms are accompanied by dry, itchy, and tingly skin, cramps, shooting pain when standing, which only resolves when legs are elevated, veins becoming prominent, and wounds that leak fluid that doesnt seem to heal. Keep them warm in cold temperatures and make sure you take the steps to ensure healthy circulation throughout your body. Your venous system is not working properly. Either way, the cast may also have put pressure on the arteries and veins in your foot, resulting in restricted blood circulation and causing your foot to turn dark, blue, or purple. Symptoms: - red / purple with big spots of normal skin color (guess it follows some vascularization pattern) - a feeling of heavy foot when the blood rushes back down and muscles are not pushing it back up. So so my question here, even tho I know I have asked before (sorry!) Is there any specific exercises or movement that he can do to help him heal? A presentation of newer skin protection combinations in an effort to better protect the skin from the hazards of sun exposure. If it continues to happen and even worsen over the weekend, call first thing Monday and get in there. Before surgery, you will wear a special boot that keeps you from moving your lower leg and foot. Read our editorial policy. A good review of the possible benefits to taking glucosamine, chondroitin or MSM for arthritis. If any tissue is permanently damaged, it may have to be surgically removed. I can't imagine what kind of bruising you'd get three months post-op. respect of any healthcare matters. I have been scouring the internet for positive feedback and cam across this post this morning. my toes will even go white. Diabetes. But I'm now driving (my break was the left foot), spending half days in the office, and able to get around quite well on crutches or a knee scooter. Thank you so much Kim. Its usually caused by spasms of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin. Acrocyanosis episodes tend to persist. should i get this checked out? When sitting or standing my feet turn purple & grayish sometimes. If the pain persists for a long time, see your health care provider. My calf started to throb unbearably with what could only be described as a warm sensation. Also its unbearable to even lay my foot on a pillow due to the sensitive skin on my foot. I was transported from one hospital to another one (and like yourself it was a county hospital ) to have emergency surgery. Does glucosamine or MSM reduce arthritis pain? First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. Had an xray at the same time which they were happy with. The provider said it's normal, as the incision site looks clean and dry. It was a godsend. I have the same problem and its driving me crazy. (2018). While this is a slow process, I am also a very active person and got very down in the first few weeks without being able to even get up to the bathroom without the purple/swelling/pain. The discoloration on your foot will eventually resolve if its not caused by a serious circulation problem. About five days after surgery the foot was so swollen and an infection started. I am ver sure its the wrong diagnosis. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. While this is relatively common and usually temporary, it can also be a sign of an underlying health problem. 5 Ways to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, What You Need to Know About Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. How long should you elevate a broken ankle? Now I am worry about screws coming out. i had this surgery the 12 th of September and my nerves have been on pins and needles since the 16 of September and it hasn't stopped as of today (10/27/18) . The most common causes include falling, impact injuries, and repetitive activity without adequate rest. Take care. The condition can affect one or more toes and lead to tissue death and ulceration. Moving from the cold to the warm indoors or donning a pair of gloves or socks may be enough to resume normal circulation in your fingers and toes. Fortunately, if you have this symptom, its not life-threatening, and can be easily treated. 2012-2020 - DoctorSpring. A sprained ankle may turn purple due to damage to the blood vessels that are located around the ankle. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I had all the classic signs of this disease and my Dr. and Physical Therapist missed it. Consultations on DoctorSpring are not a substitute for physical consultation with a doctor or to hospital services. Because of supply chain shortages as well as staffing shortages particularly during the pandemic, many institutions extended the time between dressing changes for chronic wounds. If the pain persists or you cant walk, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic foot specialist. Elevate your leg so it's above your heart line. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Low-grade fevers (less than or equal to 100.5 degrees) during the first week after surgery. Sometimes an artery can become injured, whether from a puncture wound or from blunt trauma. If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. Everyone keeps telling me I should be progressing so much faster than I am and that I should be able to start walking around already. This tends to occur when one's foot swells after surgery. The purple color on your foot can be an uncomfortable side effect of an ankle injury, surgery, or fracture. 4 years ago, You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. Not being able to move around is really killing me as i'm very active. Found that it helped a bit with my mood. Keep your leg elevated and if you are really worried, see your doctor/ surgeon. Registered in England and Wales. Below are some possible underlying causes of your legs or feet turning dark, blue, or purple. All paid services come with a MEDNET quality assurance and 100% money back guarantee. She put a note in for the doctor and told me she'd get back to me. My feet turn purple and now recently my legs tingle and lose feeling what is happening ? Initial frostbite and other cold-weather injuries can be treated by warming, soaking the affected skin in a warm bath for half an hour or so, and letting it air dry. Is stopping XANAX cold turkey ok in anxiety? the purple foot from the surgeon is that he did a major surgery with nearly 5 different procedures and that is why it turns purple. Also every time i see my surgeon he comments on how bad my injury is. See additional information. If youve recently suffered an ankle injury, you may be wondering why your foot is turning purple. Sometimes, improper care and management of your foot following surgery and after your cast removal will contribute to your foot turning dark, blue, or purple. The treatments for these conditions usually involve medications or procedures to maintain healthy circulation. Simply click here to return to. When he's standing using his crutches without weight on his right leg, his right foot turns red and purple. One possibility is that the natural alignment of the hip joint is not restored during surgery. Small vessel disease occurs when the small arteries cant get enough oxygen to the heart. If you have a leg brace, splint, or boot, it will keep you from moving your foot. Foot discoloration is common after a foot injury, but it can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. is can you guys tell me, in a very specific way, about your recovery from the foot turning colors when down after surgery? I am going to keep showing everyone your post. Red or purple color shows increased blood flow at that area.This should go away with time as he continue to walk.You may apply an Ace bandage from foot to leg during weight bearing.This will check the swelling.Try to keep legs above a pillow or above the heart level & continue to pumping movements of toes. The first step is to determine if your foot is broken. If your doctor suspects a fracture, X-rays are recommended to rule out a broken bone. If the damage to your foots circulation is so severe that theres a risk of foot tissue dying, amputation may be necessary. Ice your foot for about 20 minutes every hour while awake for the first 48 hours, then 2 to 3 times a day. My advice would be not to let the horror stories get you down. Join in and write your own page! When I couldn't walk I used a knee scooter. Hi Angie, hope your recovery is progressing. If you have high cholesterol or diabetes, you should schedule regular physical examinations. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. It has been and is a frustrating process, I would give anything to be able to just get up and walk and drive. Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2018. The surgeon should know about this immediately. When this happens, the blood can pool in your legs resulting in swelling and discoloration. My surgeon said that this was all normal, and he agreed that starting to sit in the chair with the foot down and get the foot to start getting acclimated to the circulation pressure again couldn't hurt. You might notice swelling in your lower legs and ankles and have cuts or bruises that dont heal properly. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek In other instances, foot discoloration is caused by a lack of oxygen-rich blood. Please enable JavaScript to use file uploader. What you describe is normal for me at least. I was released and sent home from the hospital the morning after surgery and was in excruciating pain for several weeks. You should also stop smoking, as it can seriously harm your blood vessels. That's not much. Worse at certain times of day. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. The topical application of nicotinic acid derivatives and minoxidil also may relieve symptoms. I've tried keeping my foot down toward to floor for longer periods of time and it just makes the swelling and discoloration worsen the longer it is down and actually has started taking long to regain color. Sounds like there may a circulatory problem when your foot has weight on it. It can also result from an incorrectly fitted cast. After my op i was told apart from that it went really well my talus bone is 70-100% likely to die. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. People with this disease often experience other symptoms such as pain, numbness, and pins and needles. I just don't know if this will get better or if I now have venous reflux or something worse for the rest of my life. I had surgery to repair 3 breaks at the ankle on June 20th. did you have a lot of pain with your discoloration? However, do not apply ice directly to the skin. It happens because your legs have been accustomed to having it elevated. Because of this, you should seek medical attention right away. To learn more, please visit our. I can't wait for them to get better. The only way to fix it was the fusion. In some cases, however, the cause may be more complicated. -eko, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. doc said raynaud's but i thought that happens when cold.? I walk pretty normal now, however, I do have a built up shoe now. was just put in a boot. Dizziness, low blood pressure and body shakes, Pain in lower abdomen and not able to pass stools after taking lomotill, Survival rate data for stage 2 breast cancer. In severe cases, a purple foot may signal blood clots, restricted blood flow in your blood vessels, diabetes, hematoma, and other circulatory problems in your lower legs. Most Common Cause of Foot Ischemia Peripheral artery disease (PAD) refers to narrowing of arteries that carry oxygenated blood to various parts of the body. In other words, you should avoid strenuous activities and sports. In severe cases, purple or blue feet can be a sign of a serious medical condition. I just find it odd and wondered why this was happening. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Superficial frostbite turns exposed skin red and hard. Blood reaches. Location: New York State. But deep frostbite can turn skin purple. The condition can affect one or more toes and lead to tissue death and ulceration. If youre unsure of the cause, see your doctor. So grateful for the testimonies here. Occasionally even my calf will turn red and mottled. Avoid keeping legs lower then heart level for long time. If you have poor circulation, its important to exercise and move. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? You will also need to wrap your foot in a soft dressing. It looks from your details that your husband had fracture at his leg about 4 weeks ago & there is discoloration on walking without weight bearing.If he has recently started walking without weight bearing then this is not abnormal.This is neither a sign of infection or other disorder. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities: A critical review. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use 8 weeks post op still have purple foot that feels full when foot down. Be sure you wear clothing that protects all parts of your body from cold exposure. as being in breach of those terms. college years ago, so I know the benefits of good care. Wait at least three days before shaving the hair off the area. Here's everything you need to know about shoe fit, hygiene, and more. I received the orthotics Monday afternoon and began wearing them Tuesday. Thanks again. I still ice several times a day to get the swelling down, and think that helps a lot. I spent 10 weeks in a recliner with my foot elevated. Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Low-grade fevers that last after one week or those that are above 100.5 degrees at any time after surgery may not be normal. A foot sprain can be painful and difficult to walk. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this too. This condition affects an estimated 8.5 million Americans aged 40 or older, according to 2016 data from the American Heart Association. If your purple foot is caused by an underlying health condition, you may need to receive several conservative treatments, take medications or undergo surgery. When the cells and tissues in your toes dont get enough blood, they may be damaged and slowly die, causing them to turn purple or blue. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Instead of surgery, you may need to wear a splint or boot for about 6 weeks. (female) Join Date: Jul 2005. You may also develop a rash or patches of red or purple skin. Now at 4.5 weeks it still swells and gets uncomfortable if it is down for an hour or two without putting the foot up, but it is definitely improving dramatically and no longer gets purple. Chronic critical limb ischemia: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Helped Over 500,000 patients with 98%+ satisfaction. A type known as peripheral cyanosis, or acrocyanosis, primarily affects the hands and feet. If you have a mild Raynauds Disease, you may prevent having attacks by keeping yourself warm and minimizing stress, especially during cold weather. I am 4 months post op from a bunionectomy and I still have a purple foot when I sit or stand. 28f i have ist , triglycerides are high 207 my feet turn purple if i sit or stand not on any medication. Now at 4.5 weeks it still swells and gets uncomfortable if it is down for an hour or two without putting the foot up, but it is definitely improving dramatically and no longer gets purple. I had the cast taken off 2 weeks after surgery and told to wear the boot cast that I had been wearing on the left foot due to a bad sprain on that ankle at the same time and breaking the left. But doctors should only turn to that in the most extreme situations after other treatments have failed.