If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. 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. Sounds like there may a circulatory problem when your foot has weight on it. What do you have to lose with just a phone call! Because you havent been moving it normally following your injury or surgery, your body will have difficulty circulating the blood to and from your feet. There are many reasons that legs may swell including kidney disease and heart failure. You may use this service to consult a specialty or for getting medical second opinion. Started physio yesterday, still have terrible pain and as soon as I put my foot down it goes a purplish color and swells with pain. Try compression stockings Apply an ice pack within 48 hours following an injury on your leg or feet. Worse at certain times of day. Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. 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. I've been WBAT for 4 weeks. In some cases, a bruise may be mistaken for a broken toe. I am on week twelve post op and am using a airpump cam boot and dressing the remaining pressure sores which are responding to my home treatment. For instance, their feet turn purple when standing or sitting at a desk. Had an xray at the same time which they were happy with. Discoloration on your foot will appear when these blood vessels leak, turning into bruises. The affected areas may also appear swollen and have cuts or bruises that don't heal properly. I'm fitted with a plate and a few screws. Is this really the be. Andrew I too want to thank you for your email you have helped me already. These will go away over time. ADD REPORTS/IMAGES (5 max, 20MB max each, Can be added/emailed later). When theres too much pressure, it will cause damage to the nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles in the area covered with your cast. Abnormally elevated blood sugar levels can damage the arteries, affect nerve function and reduce blood circulation in your lower legs or feet. I am thankful for the wonderful synopsis you gave on your experience. You may have had bruises that temporarily turned part of your skin a shade of black, blue, or purple. Now trying pitting it down for short time 5 mins And then elevated for 5 mins to try and get circulation back Also quite painful at times still. Pat the area dry and apply a fragrance-free lotion to lock in moisture. Minimal swelling. Has VAGINA CANDIDIASIS on suppository. Such an injury will. Especially after standing up. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Getting the proper nutrition will provide your body with the essentials it needs to promote healing. But if your foot starts to take on a purple color without any bumps or bruises, you should see your doctor. Some types of foot discoloration are a result of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or Raynauds disease. Foot Discoloration Treatment & Causes | Center for Vascular Medicine I am almost in tears of relief after reading what you wrote. (2018). This condition is often triggered to occur with cold weather. Simply click here to return to. The skin on your feet could turn blue, purple, or gray. Even minor injuries can cause discoloration on the skin of the foot. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. Purple feet: Causes and treatment - Medical News Today Notes on 2.5 weeks after ORIF and foot still goes purple when i put it down. We avoid using tertiary references. 2023 The Heart & Brain. 5 Ways to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, What You Need to Know About Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. A bruise forms when small blood vessels in the foot are damaged by trauma. It is important to seek medical attention if the bruising does not fade or disappear completely. The discoloration has stopped over the last few weeks. If youre experiencing pain after an injury, a doctor may recommend rest and ice. Hi, I'm 40 & approx. To learn more, please visit our. Blood clots in your leg may form when the blood flow in your calf or thigh veins becomes restricted, causing blood to thicken and clump in this area. When given time, a sprained ankle will heal on its own. Eventually, it may result in amputation. Secondary Raynauds is usually a complication of a more serious condition, such as: Women are more likely than men to have Raynauds. What to Know About Hemosiderin Staining - WebMD Avoid strenuous activities like sports unless your doctor says its finally okay. Because of this, you should seek medical attention right away. Das S, et al. Are you a top Doctor? or something else? Bones generally unites within 6-8 weeks, till then there is increased blood flow to affected area to supply nutrients to affected part for healing. Factors that may cause blue toe syndrome include the following: Blocked arteries Damaged blood vessels Restricted blood flow Kidney failure Medications like blood thinners or coagulants and recreational drugs Complications during a medical procedure such as a surgery Angiogram. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. Discoloration after surgery - foot-pain-explained.com Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Second-opinion.Multi-specialty. It will heal over time with regularly elevating your foot and applying a cold compress. Acrocyanosis also reduces healthy blood flow in the arteries of your feet. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. 9 months after bunionectomy the base of my middle toes have turned a dark color and wont go away. In serious cases, you may also feel pain when youre at rest. This tends to occur when one's foot swells after surgery. is can you guys tell me, in a very specific way, about your recovery from the foot turning colors when down after surgery? When you drop something on your foot or hit your leg hard into something, these cause small blood vessels under your skin to break. my foot turns purple and also my very lower leg above my ankles! A good review of how blood sugars can become elevated and the harm that can do. I walk pretty normal now, however, I do have a built up shoe now. Foot Turns Purple When Not Elevated After Injury - EplifeFit If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress. You are wright about the horror stories, there are quite a few out there. My foot feels better than it has in months. The pain and swelling may be minimized by applying ice to the affected area. Money back guarantee for the 1st reply. Is sleeping with socks on bad for you? Its usually caused by spasms of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin. Sometimes, it could also be due to poor post-surgical management, such as not elevating your leg above heart level or not correctly applying a hot/cold compress. If you have a leg brace, splint, or boot, it will keep you from moving your foot. Depending on the severity of your foot fracture, non-weight bearing may be necessary for a few weeks to allow your foot to heal. ago, & because of his complexion, we could see the difference in color so obviously. She put a note in for the doctor and told me she'd get back to me. Good Luck! Found that it helped a bit with my mood. Except I do not have pain! (The only thing I had difficulty finding was the "ask a question" page.). Simply click here to return to Ask the doctor. This condition is called the blue toe syndrome, sometimes also called occlusive vasculopathy or trash foot. It is suggested that cancer may surpass CVD as the number one cause of death in older diabetics. but the non injured foot feels perfectly normal. Just a crazy weird pain on the inside and side of my knee that has been there since surgery. Blue toe syndrome, also known as occlusive vasculopathy, is a form of acute digital ischaemia in which one or more toes become a blue or violet colour. 3 months post-op, foot turning purple! weird twinges and burning. I notice when boot is off, primarily in the shower--my foot turns a lovely shade of purple. Fortunately, if you have this symptom, its not life-threatening, and can be easily treated. Thank you so much for making me feel better and more hopeful. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Below are some common things that you follow: Remember that your fractured bone is not yet completely healed as soon as your cast is removed. Emotional stress and cold weather can cause acrocyanosis. Join in and write your own page! The affected areas may also appear swollen and have cuts or bruises that dont heal properly. I am now seeing three specialists for this condition in hopes to contain it from spreading. I too have been experiencing major discoloration when my foot is positioned any way other than being elevated. The provider said it's normal, as the incision site looks clean and dry. It is important to follow your doctors instructions as walking on a broken ankle too early will prevent the bones from healing. Searching the internet for hope , Im having my left ankle Fused the end of this month. Often, minor injuries can become more serious if left untreated. Blood clots can also form near the surface of your skin, known as superficial venous thrombosis. My best to you and please keep us up to dateBeth. 6 werks post-op! 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. The bone is healed. Other risk factors include poor footwear, altered foot alignment, or vitamin D deficiency. Causes include frostbite and. its very uncomfortable. Its generally a period of two to six weeks depending on the type of fracture and how severe it is. The topical application of nicotinic acid derivatives and minoxidil also may relieve symptoms. respect of any healthcare matters. And your site is so intelligently arranged. If nothing significant is causing your foot to turn purple, then expect it to eventually go away as you heal. The ligaments are what keep your ankle together and prevent your ankle from rolling inward. Truly, it is uncommonly kind. First, I want to let you know that you have the best web site I've found related to foot issues. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/2-5-weeks-after-orif-and-foot-still-goes-purple-when-i-put-it-down--521514. respect of any healthcare matters. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When you are experiencing foot discoloration after surgery, it could be caused by a medical condition known as purple toe syndrome. Purple feet are a sign of a circulation problem that can be potentially serious. 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. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek I would not wish this on my worst enemy! I thought by now that issue would have fixed itself. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. A purple discoloration is usually a sign of poor blood flow to the lower extremities. It can also result from an incorrectly fitted cast. Poor circulation means inadequate arterial supply (blood rich in oxygen). Posts: 402. Bunion Surgery & Purple Foot! Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Surgery is also necessary for severe cases of DVT. Your feet carry you through life, so take their health very seriously. Chronic critical limb ischemia: Diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. I have joint hypermobility synd. This causes your toes or feet to turn blue, purple, or gray. How long did it take till it stopped? Keeping your toes in tip-top shape is key to staying pain-free. I had bunionectomy on 3/23/04, after 4 1/2 months of a lot of pain and my foot turning red then purple just as yours, I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. When you are experiencing foot discoloration after surgery, it could be caused by a medical condition known as purple toe syndrome. However, this may not appear for a couple of days. Blood reaches your feet through a network of arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart. But, episodes of Raynauds can come and go, and may last for a few minutes at a time. I jump around a bit on crutches but have to sit down and elevate fairly quickly. Once you submit the question, the Doctor from the concerned specialty will reply within hours. I had exact same feeling of screw coming out but was really cramp making my foot go in one direction. Horrid. She is gone for two weeks and I have an appointment pending her return next week. Do not put the bag of ice directly on your skin. I think your website is the most informative site I have found when researching foot pain. Wearing grade elastic compression stockings and elevating your leg may help eliminate the swelling. For most people that means a target fasting blood sugar measurement of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter. A blood clot in the leg can affect the veins that pump blood back to the heart, causing swelling. The blue color is caused by blood leaking into the affected area. to thank you for an EXCELLENT website. Foot still turning red and purple after ORIF - Patient If not see a doc immediately to check. 20MB size. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Check with your doctor when discoloration doesnt disappear and worsens with pain. In severe cases, purple or blue feet can be a sign of a serious medical condition. However, this condition does not necessarily need to be treated with X-rays. You should also stop smoking, as it can seriously harm your blood vessels. Occasionally even my calf will turn red and mottled. I have to keep telling myself that there are others in a worse position than me. Peripheral Cyanosis (Blue Hands and Feet): Causes and More - Healthline But deep frostbite can turn skin purple. Avoiding hand or feet exposure to extremely cold temperatures may help prevent future episodes. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Cold temperatures can reduce circulation in your hands and feet, healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/postings/2013/12/120913_frostbite.php, aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/diabetic-foot/Pages/Diabetic-Foot-Problems.aspx, cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/r/raynauds-phenomenon.html, merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/peripheral-arterial-disease/acrocyanosis, besancon-cardio.org/recommandations/insuf-chr.htm, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, The Smart Girls Guide to Healthy, Happy Feet, Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease. I remember the more I was on it, the more swollen it was. 140 lbs black female, status post bunionectomy 6 weeks. site (top of google search) and actually find all the answers I needed Its normal to have discoloration on your foot after cast removal. I still ice several times a day to get the swelling down, and think that helps a lot. Keep them warm in cold temperatures and make sure you take the steps to ensure healthy circulation throughout your body. Take care. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frostbite/symptoms-causes/syc-20372656. When he's standing using his crutches without weight on his right leg, his right foot turns red and purple. Kudos to you! Additionally, because you havent moved your foot as you do before surgery, the veins on your foot experience difficulty returning blood to your heart. I'm so sorry you are dealing with this too. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. I'm just pushing forward through the oak to get things done around my house, plus I have two kids so things need to get done. 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. Not what you're looking for? Medical treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the foot. People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. Here's how it can affect your health. Hence to built up shoe. This will reduce swelling. I am on meds but not making a difference. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. An internist is a good place to start. A neurologist may be able to help you diagnose this discoloration. Concentrate on calf and ankle exercises to improve the muscle tone in your lower leg and ankle. During this time, you may wear protective footwear or use crutches to get around. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Here's everything you need to know about shoe fit, hygiene, and more. So grateful for the testimonies here. Were you in out patient or hospital for surgery? There are a couple of reasons for this, including blood clots and poor circulation. How? I I am now in a walking boot only because my other ER visit due to swelling and purple again put me in on the 26th I go back to see my ortho and were supposed to start trying to put light weight bearing and then an ankle brace and so forth so hopefully this purple will quit coming to my foot and I can continue with a full life once more. Thank you Andrew and all of you writing here. The bone is healed. The more you try to sit normally the longer the recovery will take. Please email files .I have been told that it is not hard enough to be cut off. During this time, you should avoid any activity that puts pressure on the injured ankle. Is it safe for him to remain with his leg lower than his heart? How to improve poor circulation in the feet - Medical News Today I used a wheelchair for most of that, as I am pretty hopeless with crutches. Did it hurt a lot after? Resting and elevating the affected area may boost healing. If you experience persistent discoloration of your feet, you should visit your doctor for further diagnosis. Anyone has/had contracting kind of pain? The bruise will appear red and tender to touch, and it may be bluish or yellow at first. Diabetes can affect your feet in two important ways: loss of healthy nerve function and a reduction in healthy circulation. My husband had surgery for a pilon fracture of his right ankle and a compound fracture of his tibia and break of his fibula 4 weeks ago. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Why do my feet turn blue when I am sitting. For instance, a very tight cast may damage your nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and muscles which results in discoloration. I try to do some exercises with the rest of my body, sitting or lying on the floor with my leg elevated on a few pillows. The first step is to determine if your foot is broken. Even after the skin warms, it may stay purple. Huge pressure in foot after bunion surgery - Patient I'm 80 percent weight bearing. Please feel free to discuss further.With best wishes. The treatments for these conditions usually involve medications or procedures to maintain healthy circulation. So I started sitting up more with the foot down until it got fairly uncomfortable (this was the first step to being more comfortable standing up/on the knee scooter), and after a few days I got to the point where I could drive and work half days in an office. Resting your injured leg, applying ice packs, wrapping the injury with a bandage, and elevating your foot will help treat minor blood clots. all my drs know. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Depending on how much bleeding there is after the injury can cause the foot to turn purple initially. Veteran. It's caused by blood leaking out of the tiny vessels called capillaries. It's either up and looks perfect, or down and bright red. After two days I would say that I have noticed a huge improvement in the discomfort I have been experiencing. Recommendation on next step. Thank you for that. One day at work, two months after surgery, I noticed my foot had become unusually swollen and was turning a disturbing shade of purple. I am 70 y.o and was very active and strong before my bilateral fracture on the left ankle. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. If you suspect you have broken a bone, you need to limit any weight bearing on the foot. Were proud to be a team of writers who are truly passionate about all things health.Coming together from all parts of the world, we share a common goal of helping serve many with our comprehensive research and clear writing style. Thank you for your very interesting and informative site! #1 I had my cast for 6.5 weeks and have been in the boot for a week and a half. If the foot discoloration persists, your doctor may recommend additional tests. A broken foot can be extremely painful and greatly restrict your mobility. Always beware of the possible side effects of over the counter supplements. I was released and sent home from the hospital the morning after surgery and was in excruciating pain for several weeks. You will recover but it takes a long time. Foot & Ankle Problems Message Board HealthBoards Bone Joint Muscle > Foot & Ankle Problems > 3 months post-op, foot turning purple! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Nine months is long enough that you should be just about pain free. Right around 3 weeks post-op I started sitting in a chair with the foot down, and those issues seemed to start going away. It happens because your legs have been accustomed to having it elevated. Doctor Spring is a novel online Doctor consultation platform where you can get your medical questions answered by leading Doctors. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. There are two types of Raynauds: primary and secondary. I hope that this helps and that you turn the corner in your recovery soon. I have been laid up here now 5 weeks, 4 weeks since surgery and I have been so worried about the swelling and discoloration, when the foot is down. If you have poor circulation, its important to exercise and move. So your foot gets red and purple still when you put it down? Be persistant until it gets looked at. 5. Many conditions can interrupt the healthy flow of blood between your heart and feet. Posted One possibility is that the natural alignment of the hip joint is not restored during surgery. This can cause bleeding shows up as a bruise. The first stage of a sprain is often very painful, but it doesnt require immediate treatment. Purple Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments - Healthline He said probably be another 12 weeks before I am getting around without anything. The swelling will definitely go down, you're only early in your recovery. You can wear warm socks, avoid going barefoot, and use appropriate shoes. First, I'd like to thank you for all the information that you provide on your website and the opportunity to write to you. Weitz JI, et al. The service should not be used for medical emergencies. Raynauds disease is similar to acrocyanosis in some ways. what can i do to help this? Poor circulation in the feet is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), Raynauds disease, lupus, and diabetes. I had developed a blood clot, and if a coworker hadn't suggested the possibility, it never would have occurred to me. to [emailprotected], if you would like to upload more. I am 4 months post op from a bunionectomy and I still have a purple foot when I sit or stand. The meaning of the term acrocyanosis is bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreased oxygenation to the extremity. Once you put it in its usual position, your body will take time to circulate blood to and from your feet. Am I being really paranoid or do I have something to worry about? I couldn't spend much time on my feet after my bunion surgery. you are all the best and I really appreciate every answer! Find out your options to prevent complications, Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a rare but serious condition characterized by blood clots in the bodys smallest blood vessels, especially the, Maintaining optimal levels of nitric oxide in your body is essential for your overall health. Take it easy and buy a few books ?? 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.