Unexplained Leg Swelling and Pain: A Neurological Concern - Neurology

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Unexplained swelling and pain in both legs?


Hello doctor, on the night of April 27th this year, I injured the bottom of my left foot on a plug, leaving a wound.
I disinfected it and applied ointment, but the next evening, the top of my left foot suddenly swelled up like a hill.
My right foot also swelled, but not as much as the left.
The next morning, I went to the emergency room (although when I woke up, the swelling in both feet had already decreased somewhat).
The doctor administered a tetanus shot and prescribed antibiotics, but as the evening progressed, my feet swelled even more dramatically.
My right foot swelled to nearly the same height as my left, and my ankles were swollen too.
The muscles in the back of my calves felt very tight, and the skin below my knees had a mottled appearance, resembling goosebumps, although my feet were not cold.
The next day, I visited an infectious disease specialist.
The doctor drew blood and reviewed my results, noting that my white blood cell count was elevated due to inflammation, but everything else was normal.
However, she said she didn't know the cause, so she prescribed a stronger antibiotic.
During this time, the swelling in my feet somewhat improved, but every time I walked for an hour, my lower legs would become very red and swollen upon returning home.
Once, I even experienced a tingling sensation.
Additionally, the soles of my feet, possibly the fascia, were very painful, and only elevating my feet and lying down for an hour provided some relief.
However, the skin still appeared mottled and grayish, and it remained stiff.
I subsequently consulted a cardiologist (who performed leg vascular tests but found no cause) and a rheumatologist, who also could not determine the reason for my symptoms.
By this time, it had been two weeks of discomfort.
My symptoms evolved to the point where, although the tops of my feet were not as swollen as before, the front of my feet and toes were now swollen, especially the right foot, which was more severe.
In the evenings, my ankles would also swell, and both my toe joints and ankles would have a dull ache.
Consequently, the doctor prescribed gout medication, emphasizing that I did not have gout.
After a week of taking the medication, I felt that my entire foot, especially the soles, was not as swollen as before.
However, I have not returned for a follow-up and continue taking the gout medication.
Even though I have not been walking outside, the area below my calves remains very stiff and numb, particularly in my right toes, which are still swollen.
The edema in my ankles has not completely resolved after sleeping, and there is a slight ache in the bones between my ankles and calves.
Although the skin color below my calves is mottled and grayish, the color in that area is darker.
Sometimes, my toe joints and the bones in the front of my calves and knees experience mild pain.
After walking a few steps, the tops of my feet feel slightly crampy, and now the muscles in my calves and thighs are also tight.
My knees currently feel noticeably uncomfortable, and I have experienced a few instances where the flesh just above the inner sides of my knees vibrated for a few seconds without pain.
Additionally, for the past two days, my left thumb and index finger, as well as the last two fingers of my right hand, have suddenly felt like they were shocked for a few seconds.
I researched online and wondered if this could be peripheral neuropathy.
I feel that my symptoms initially started as edema, but at that time, there was no pain in the fascia or bones, and it was limited to below the ankles.
However, the discomfort has now extended to my thighs and is painful to the bones.
During this time, I have experienced three instances of cramping in my left calf muscles when I woke up and stretched, which was extremely painful.
I am currently a student who sits at a desk for long periods.
Previously, I would walk for nearly two hours every day.
This year, my diet has included a lot of chocolate and sweets, and I have gained nearly ten kilograms.
Additionally, I have some pain in the bones above my buttocks, and when I sleep, my lower back feels somewhat unsupported.
This has been different from how I felt in the past year.
However, my foot issues began suddenly on April 27th and have not improved, with the affected area expanding.
Despite seeing many specialists, no one has been able to find a cause, and I truly do not know what to do.
I am also very afraid of not finding a reason, which could lead to a worsening condition that might result in disability.

jill, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/30

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology


Dear Ms.
Jill,
You mentioned that the discomfort was initially localized below the ankle, but it has now extended to the thigh and is painful to the bone.
This upward progression of abnormal sensations may suggest chronic polyneuropathy.
However, you also noted symptoms of edema and changes in skin color, which may indicate issues with peripheral vascular circulation.

I recommend that you visit a neurology or rehabilitation medicine clinic for evaluation and follow-up.
Tests such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography can assist in diagnosing peripheral nerve issues.

Nerve conduction studies assess the conduction velocity and waveform of large fiber nerves, while electromyography evaluates the muscle response in the areas supplied by the nerves.
Given the complexity of your condition and the multiple specialties involved, it is advisable to seek care at a nearby hospital with an emergency department to consolidate your medical information.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any further questions, feel free to discuss them!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital

Reply Date: 2022/05/30

More Info


Unexplained leg swelling and pain can indeed be a concerning issue, especially when it persists despite multiple medical evaluations. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced a series of symptoms that have evolved since the initial injury to your left foot. The swelling, pain, and changes in skin color you describe could be indicative of several underlying conditions, and it’s essential to consider both neurological and vascular factors.

Firstly, the initial injury you sustained on April 27 could have led to localized inflammation or infection, which might explain the swelling and pain. The fact that you received a tetanus shot and antibiotics suggests that your healthcare providers were concerned about a potential infection. However, the persistence of symptoms and the development of bilateral swelling raise the possibility of other conditions.

One potential concern is the development of a condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which can occur after an injury. CRPS is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in the skin, including swelling, color changes, and temperature differences. It often affects the limbs and can lead to significant discomfort and disability if not addressed promptly.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing symptoms related to venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although you mentioned that vascular studies did not reveal any issues, it’s important to consider that DVT can sometimes be subtle and may require further imaging studies, such as an ultrasound, to rule out. Symptoms of DVT can include swelling, pain, and changes in skin color, particularly in the lower extremities.

Additionally, your description of numbness and tingling in your fingers and toes raises the possibility of peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or even compression of nerves. Given your recent weight gain and dietary changes, it may be worthwhile to evaluate your blood sugar levels and consider a comprehensive metabolic panel to assess for any underlying issues.

The tightness and pain in your calves and thighs, along with the history of cramping, could also suggest muscle strain or overuse, especially if your activity levels have changed significantly. Prolonged sitting, as you mentioned, can lead to muscle stiffness and discomfort, particularly if you are not engaging in regular physical activity.

In terms of management, it is crucial to continue working with your healthcare providers to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms. This may involve further diagnostic testing, including imaging studies or referrals to specialists such as a neurologist or a vascular surgeon. Additionally, physical therapy may be beneficial to address muscle tightness and improve mobility.

In the meantime, consider implementing some self-care strategies. Elevating your legs when sitting or lying down can help reduce swelling. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may also alleviate some of the tightness in your muscles. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet can support overall health and potentially improve your symptoms.

Lastly, it’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare team about your concerns and the progression of your symptoms. If you feel that your current providers are not addressing your issues adequately, seeking a second opinion may provide you with additional insights and treatment options. Remember that persistent symptoms warrant thorough investigation, and it’s important to advocate for your health.

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