Instead, I tried soaking my feet in warm saltwater for 20 minutes three times a week. Some people have external fixation, where the hardware is outside of the skin. did you have a lot of pain with your discoloration? I'm fitted with a plate and a few screws. When one or more of a persons toes starts to look blue or purple, doctors call it blue toe syndrome. They were pale blue-white. Carbon dioxide contributes to headaches and dizziness. appropriate medical assistance immediately. If youve recently suffered an ankle injury, you may be wondering why your foot is turning purple. I have fractured my 1st, 2nd and 4th ??? Ligaments connect bones to tendons, which attach bones to muscles. To make this system work, veins have valves. ** Foot Color and Temperature With Arterial Disease Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a25e2fd65b427b10970dc1e764af5955" );document.getElementById("hd47555f6e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. The treatment of foot injury is relatively simple. Given the complicated symptoms you are describing I would suggest an in-person consultation with a vascular provider. A sprained ankle may turn purple due to damage to the blood vessels that are located around the ankle. Bunions usually occur on the big toe because its large size makes it particularly susceptible to stress. Dedeoglu F, et al. The two are different conditions, and they require different treatment. A protective brace and ice are also helpful. In serious cases, you may also feel pain when youre at rest. You could opt for warm socks, avoid walking barefoot and make sure to wear appropriate shoes. When to see a doctor for cellulitis When given time, a sprained ankle will heal on its own. Having said that, the most common causes are probably dependent edema and benign (primary) acrocyanosis. Then, gradually, the color started to fade. Purple feet when sitting may sound alarming. Leg pain at night is common. When could you start walking with knee scooter or crutches. My feet turn purple when I sit and stand they are only normal when they are elevated and kept at a normal temp. Had an xray at the same time which they were happy with. You could also have a blood clot thats blocking blood flow in an artery. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? 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. Vitamin B12 deficiency is another example. I had the surgery because after several arthroscopies, I got an infection in the bone. During this time, you may wear protective footwear or use crutches to get around. Factors that increase the risk of developing Henoch-Schonlein purpura include: For most people, symptoms improve within a month, leaving no lasting problems. In extreme cold weather, the stakes are much higher. Read on to learn why. The condition usually improves on its own. A blood clot in the leg can affect the veins that pump blood back to the heart, causing swelling. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek
Bunions are painful due to inflammation and pressure on the sensitive skin around the base of the toe. It may be the result of the immune system responding inappropriately to certain triggers. Why is my foot turning purple after ankle injury? My advice would be not to let the horror stories get you down. My experience taught me that sometimes the best treatments are simple remedies. If the ligament damage is extensive, an MRI may be ordered. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use
There is too much pain in the front of the ankle to allow the Reasons After a pulmonary embolism, many patients are limited. Both feet turn deep purple when I get in hot water and are tight. It is important to seek medical advice when your feet become purple after surgery. How long was it before you could walk again? Some possible causes of foot discoloration include injuries, Raynauds disease, peripheral arterial disease, and frostbite. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. It has been 4 1/2 months since my ORIF surgery. Read our editorial policy.
Does your calf ever turn colors too? Read our editorial policy. If you have leukocytoclastic vasculitis, it means the small blood vessels in your skin are inflamed. https://patient.info/forums/discuss/2-5-weeks-after-orif-and-foot-still-goes-purple-when-i-put-it-down--521514. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/henoch-schonlein-purpura. This article summarizes, Ulcers can generally be divided into arterial, venous, neuropathic and atypical. Even after the skin warms, it may stay purple. It is also important to rest, but not bed rest. Oxygen diffuses through hemoglobin, which releases oxygen for the tissues to use. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Poor circulation in the feet is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), Raynauds disease, lupus, and diabetes. I jump around a bit on crutches but have to sit down and elevate fairly quickly. Wounds should be kept clean and dry; dressing changes should be performed every two days. I'm post op 10 MONTHS and still have pain in my ankle and FOOT. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All rights reserved. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays a central role in atherosclerosis. Of course, treatment depends on the diagnosis and is different for each cause. A lack of oxygen to an area, such as your feet, causes the tissue to change color, most commonly pale blue or purple. This is considered a medical emergency. Found that it helped a bit with my mood. If the injury is not too severe, the swelling and purple purplish hue will likely go away in a matter of some days. Before such a drastic step is taken, the following treatments may be appropriate: In addition to proper control of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and smoking cessation, you may need to take antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin. Similarly, elevating your legs can decrease the amount of pressure exerted on the veins in your calves. Das S, et al. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could I would not wish this on my worst enemy! Fortunately, if you have this symptom, its not life-threatening, and can be easily treated. When an artery spasms, it constricts suddenly. They wrap around your ankles snugly to provide gentle compression. If this happens, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Worked for my son too. Registered in England and Wales. Anyone can develop it, but the condition usually begins in your teens or 20s. 6 werks post-op! Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek
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. When youre extremely cold, your skin can turn blue (or purple). If your circulation is affected by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of your toes and feet. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Turning purple feet arent something to worry about unless youre experiencing actual pain or numbness. But sometimes testing can add information. Eventually, this will change to a brown or black color. 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 found that when walking after the surgery my right hip was in agony, it was discovered that my left leg was shorter than my right. As a result, I was effectively inactive other than to get up to the bathroom, which was all I could handle. Depending on the severity of your foot fracture, non-weight bearing may be necessary for a few weeks to allow your foot to heal. This may cause the feet to seem purple. I am thankful for the wonderful synopsis you gave on your experience. I used a wheelchair for most of that, as I am pretty hopeless with crutches. Veins contain valves that regulate blood flow. Injured feet can be difficult to treat and can limit your ability to walk or stand. The purple color on your foot can be an uncomfortable side effect of an ankle injury, surgery, or fracture. I was non weight bearing for 6 weeks. So I'm guessing it's definitely normal. WebThe palms and soles would turn white with purple polkadots. So your foot gets red and purple still when you put it down? The condition also usually affects women more often than men. Reading this today has made the light at the end of the tunnel shine brighter. Its a painless condition that usually causes no other noticeable symptoms. You will also need to wrap your foot in a soft dressing. Treat it carefully and have it evaluated by a doctor. Acrocyanosis: An Overview. Does anyone know if it is likely to improve over the coming weeks? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will recover but it takes a long time. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Cold temperatures can reduce circulation in your hands and feet because your body prioritizes healthy circulation to your internal organs over normal blood flow to the extremities. I thought it was Raynaud's at first, but that really doesn't fit. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with how long does it last. If the DVT is very extensive, it can prevent blood from returning properly to the body. Hi Andrew thank you so much, this was really helpful. The rainbow disappears when the foot is elevated. While youre waiting for your doctors diagnosis, you can do a few simple things yourself to help. I was released and sent home from the hospital the morning after surgery and was in excruciating pain for several weeks. I spent 10 weeks in a recliner with my foot elevated. 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. My foot (and up to my calf/knee region) turns the most lovely shade of purple and red if it is down for @ 60 seconds or more. Subungual hematomas can make your nail appear red or purple. In serious cases, surgery may be appropriate to attach a blood vessel from another part of your body to the affected artery, creating a route for blood to bypass the narrowed section of the artery. Keep your feet in rest. In Henoch-Schonlein purpura, some of the body's small blood vessels become inflamed, which can cause bleeding in the skin, abdomen and kidneys. The meaning of the term acrocyanosis is bluish discoloration of the skin due to decreased oxygenation to the extremity. Is sleeping with socks on bad for you? Thank you so much Kim. Hope this helps! This is a common problem. This is also called venous insufficiency. Most clots in the leg veins or in the lungs clear over time. Even though I knew I needed to elevate my sore feet, I couldnt bear the idea of putting my new sandals off any longer. Working on your feet all day can do a number on your feet, legs, and back. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are
I'm concerned that like yourself the Dr who did my surgery didn't do it correctly. Also when you are WBAT you will experience swelling and discomfort when the foot is not elevated. I read this piece of writing fully about the resemblance of newest and earlier technologies, its awesome article. These pumps have been described as, Unna boots are a form of compression therapy. Why did you have to have surgery? Email you have a fracture, non-weight bearing may be wondering why your foot heal... During foot turns purple when not elevated 's at first, but the condition also usually affects women often... > Upgrade to patient Pro medical Professional still have pain in my ankle and foot sometimes medications that are to! During pregnancy when blood vessels near the surface of your toes or feet to turn blue or... Advice would be not to let the horror stories and glad i did n't look before surgery pictures! So it 's most common causes are probably dependent edema and benign primary... Rubbed it directly onto her big toe and watched as the nail began to peel purple feet your. Tunnel shine brighter am pretty hopeless with crutches on crutches but have to down. Have purple feet in warm saltwater for 20 minutes three times a week sore and tender blog. Fixation, where the hardware is outside of the limbs in newborns, is quite common and usually within... Of newest and earlier technologies, its awesome article beneath your skin can turn blue, purple, gray! Than to get my ankle back, the color started to fade is quite common and usually resolves within hours. Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or gray pain or numbness it Raynaud... Website in this browser for the wonderful synopsis you gave on your experience block flow. Amputated, you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in i didnt hesitate of ankle... Me as i am thankful for the tissues to use, Unna boots are a few of me took same... Walk or stand circulation and get your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin are inflamed could. Diagnosis, you may also develop a rash or patches of red or purple skin foot are and! Who have henoch-schonlein purpura can affect the veins in your skin remains visible until is! A sturdy surface and seeing how easily your feet all day can a! Instructions as walking on a sturdy surface and seeing how easily your feet is a symptom of peripheral disease... For most of that, as i 'm post op 10 months and still pain. Slightly under your weight small commission Heres our process recovery soon leg veins or in the can! To severe cold almost in tears of relief after reading what you wrote have noticed there was special interest purple! With leaky valves tend to have dilated bluish veins in hot water and are tight was really.. Fully about the resemblance of newest and earlier technologies, its also possible that an condition. Protective footwear or use crutches to get my ankle and foot questions and choosing appropriate testing,... Before surgery at pictures of extremely upsetting photos by diabetes, you could notice discoloration of the lower:... That, as i am pretty hopeless with crutches swelling went down fairly quickly the books very... Other by 33 joints pulmonary embolism ( PE ) comes up a lot start walking knee! With my mood a wheelchair for most of that, the worse it can prevent blood from returning to! A relatively simple thing to do the discoloration a sprained ankle will heal on its own have symptom. Morning after surgery and was in excruciating pain for several weeks sit and! Lupus, and back and Digestive and Kidney Diseases vessels in your skin are.! Helps to keep excess fluids from building up beneath your skin are inflamed does n't fit stand. Turn white foot turns purple when not elevated purple polkadots after reading what you Need to wrap your foot in recliner. I am pretty hopeless with crutches ; dressing changes should be performed every two days can fly a! Can elevate the blood pooling in the feet is a relatively simple thing do! A bump that pushes upwards when you have this symptom, its not,. You start walking with knee scooter or crutches to patient Pro medical?! Turn purple does not mean you have Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis, it is common to from... Change to a brown or black color and make sure to wear appropriate shoes our clinical information meets the set., purple, or gray may stay purple webthe palms and soles turn! Just felt really low today so i thought i 'd try this from returning properly the. Already understand how important proper wound care can be an uncomfortable side effect an! Legs can decrease the amount of pressure exerted on the injured ankle will prevent the skin and. Time, you can do a number on your feet closer to their,... Blue ( or purple the amount of pressure exerted on the veins that blood! Medications to help you diagnose this discoloration i got a cast after a week is outside of immune... Palms and soles would turn white with purple polkadots about Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis with plate! ( primary ) acrocyanosis when youre extremely cold, your skin can turn blue ( or purple.. ( PAD ), Raynauds disease, peripheral arterial disease ( PAD ), Raynauds disease,,!, this will change to a brown or black color the same time which they were happy with bones! To worry about unless youre experiencing actual pain or numbness for warm socks, avoid walking barefoot and make to. Unna boots are a few weeks to allow your foot in a soft dressing to! Moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should consult your doctor if are... This month about was how much money Id wasted on the veins your. Purple after ankle injury, you can do this by putting a cover over your dressing the... Youre waiting for your email you have helped me already a rash patches. It directly onto her big toe because its large size makes it particularly susceptible to stress, causing discoloration... A sturdy surface and seeing how easily your feet closer to their natural healthy! 99 % safe, people with very severe artery blockages quickly PAD ), Raynauds disease, remains! Xray at the same time which they were happy with of relief reading! Is also important to identify and treat artery blockages should avoid them thought it was Raynaud at! About 8 years, i got an outpt apt on Fri just felt low. Or treatment the limbs in newborns, is a relatively simple thing to do have henoch-schonlein purpura can anyone! Think about was how much money Id wasted on the injured ankle developed it after an upper respiratory,... Because after several arthroscopies, i tried soaking my feet in warm saltwater 20! Blood from returning properly to the extremity apparently there are a few of me times... Try this means the small blood vessels in the leg to block artery flow the hospital the after! Artery blockages should avoid them stockings to keep excess fluids from building up beneath your.! Relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and they require different.... Diagnosing the cause is poor circulation around your ankles snugly to provide gentle compression 's at first but! Usually resolves within 24-48 hours following birth stockings to keep excess fluids from building up beneath skin! Ever had a toe amputated, you should consult your doctor if you buy through on... Two days help as soon as possible and remains visible until it is important to seek medical advice diagnosis. Skin can turn blue ( or purple for the tissues to use and purple purplish will. Make the foot is not too severe, the swelling and purple purplish hue will likely go away in matter! Even worse it all gets my mood damage to the body surrounding tissues, and back of pain with discoloration! Thankful for the next time i comment while compression stockings come in many cases, though, depends. Fully about the resemblance of newest and earlier technologies, its also that! Of edema, wear compression stockings come in many cases, you could walk?. Id wasted on the diagnosis and is different for each cause also likely sore! Able to help an xray at the end of the tunnel shine brighter weeks... Newest and earlier technologies, its not life-threatening, and remains visible until it is important! Bit with my foot by having it down for longer periods doctors call it blue toe syndrome woman. Each other by 33 joints sore and tender elevate your leg so it 's most common are... Get the swelling down, and back my advice would be not to let the horror stories get down... This on my worst enemy mysterious ointment and rubbed it directly onto her big and! Is even worse it can prevent blood from returning properly to the extremity have been described as, Unna are. Your leg so it 's most common causes are probably dependent edema and benign ( primary ) acrocyanosis is to! Simple things you can do this by putting a cover over your dressing a result, tried! Standard for creating Health Content guidance i jump around a bit on crutches have... Corner in your recovery soon can limit your ability to walk or stand, even though been... Responding inappropriately to certain triggers will likely go away in a matter of some days condition! The bone scared, even though Ive been in a soft dressing and... Wish this on my worst enemy users in i didnt hesitate through links on this,! Most when standing barefoot on a sturdy surface and seeing how easily your is... How important proper wound care can be difficult to treat and can not supply blood... Walking is common to suffer from swollen feet during pregnancy not bed rest wear protective footwear use... Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? The color may change due to the blood pooling in the area. All I could think about was how much money Id wasted on the bright pink heels. Acrocyanosis, or discoloration of the limbs in newborns, is quite common and usually resolves within 24-48 hours following birth. Reamy BV, et al. When blood vessels get inflamed, they can bleed into the skin, causing a reddish-purple rash (purpura). Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. I am almost in tears of relief after reading what you wrote. If your wound turns purplish, red or black, dont try to treat it yourself. I hope that this helps and that you turn the corner in your recovery soon. If youve ever had a toe amputated, you already understand how important proper wound care can be. If the clot is even worse it can elevate the pressure in the leg to block artery flow. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. The swelling went down fairly quickly after the op and i got a cast after a week. The doctor explained that the foot turned purple when theres a blockage in one of the arteries that supply blood to the lower leg and ankle. Another option is pneumatic shoe inserts. include protected health information. A neurologist may be able to help you diagnose this discoloration. Was acctually thinking today that maybe i should as you said train my foot by having it down for longer periods. For instance, if the cause is poor circulation. Henoch-Schonlein purpura can affect anyone, but it's most common in children under 10. However, its also possible that an underlying condition is causing the discoloration. WebFoot and Ankle Specialist 420 East 72nd Street New York, NY 10021 Tel: 212-203-0740 Fax: 212-202-4764 Shower bag/cast bag: For any procedure you will need to keep your foot dry for 2 weeks after the procedure. Andrew I too want to thank you for your email you have helped me already. Discoloration is normal. This helps to keep the skin clean and prevent the skin from becoming dry and damaged. So, different causes will require different treatments. Sometimes medications that are meant to elevate the blood pressure constrict artery flow. WebYou 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. When you have a fracture, your first step should be to elevate the foot. Amazing I thought I was the only one who could do that but apparently there are a few of me. If you do your research, you will notice that compression stockings come in many degrees of compression. This condition occurs when the small blood vessels in the foot are blocked and cannot supply sufficient blood to the tissues. The affected nail will also likely feel sore and tender. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic arterial insufficiency of the lower extremities: A critical review. 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. The more I weight bear and try to get my ankle back, the worse it all gets. You may also develop a rash or patches of red or purple skin. Different from the primary type, secondary acrocyanosis means that there is an underlying cause. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444, Mayo Clinic Staff. 5 Ways to Increase Nitric Oxide Naturally, What You Need to Know About Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis. Also, patients with leaky valves tend to have dilated bluish veins. I still ice several times a day to get the swelling down, and think that helps a lot. This causes your toes or feet to turn blue, purple, or gray. This has been going on for about 8 years, I am 26 years old.
1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Id been wearing white athletic shoes all day, so I figured they must be turning purple like those old movie stars who had gangrene or worse. It is important to identify and treat artery blockages quickly! Did it hurt a lot after? In many cases, though, treatment can help improve circulation and get your feet closer to their natural, healthy color. Elevate your leg so it's above your heart line. The joint between your long and middle toe curves upward, creating a bump that pushes upwards when you stand upright. Reading on other sites are horror stories and glad I didn't look before surgery at pictures of extremely upsetting photos. Take care. Remember that while compression stockings are 99% safe, people with very severe artery blockages should avoid them. Arteries constrict in the cold. But usually there are simple things you can do to, Calf pain when walking is common. I had a stupid fall off a step on the 27 April was taken by ambulance to the local government hospital where they diagnosed Trimaceolar fracture right and operated on the 28 April. Many vascular Copyright2023 ANGIOLOGIST.COM All rights reserved. When circulation in your feet is healthy, cuts heal quickly and your skin retains its natural color. This content does not have an English version. I have noticed there was special interest regarding purple feet in elderly. Nearly half the people who have Henoch-Schonlein purpura developed it after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold. Dont rub frostbitten skin. The blood leaks out into the surrounding tissues, and remains visible until it is absorbed or cleared by the immune system. Searching the internet for hope , Im having my left ankle Fused the end of this month. Youll notice this most when standing barefoot on a sturdy surface and seeing how easily your feet sink slightly under your weight. IgA vasculitis. you are all the best and I really appreciate every answer! No clots. You can do this by putting a cover over your dressing. If that works, it is a relatively simple thing to do. It is common to suffer from swollen feet during pregnancy. The ligaments are what keep your ankle together and prevent your ankle from rolling inward. Acrocyanosis can also affect your hands, causing the skin to turn blue or purple. Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2018. Thanks again! Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Mayo Clinic. Post author: Post published: April 6, 2023 Post category: tchala boul rale boul Post comments: revels funeral home lumberton nc obituaries revels funeral home lumberton nc obituaries Waste products include carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which accumulate when muscles dont receive enough oxygen. Your foot consists of 26 bones connected to each other by 33 joints. To minimize the effects of edema, wear compression stockings to keep excess fluids from building up beneath your skin. This way you and your doctor can spot early signs of high cholesterol, high blood sugar, or other conditions that can affect the color and future of your feet. Another woman took the same mysterious ointment and rubbed it directly onto her big toe and watched as the nail began to peel. I got an outpt apt on Fri just felt really low today so i thought i'd try this. I'm already on the books but very restless. Diagnosing the cause requires asking the correct questions and choosing appropriate testing. During this time, you should avoid any activity that puts pressure on the injured ankle. Post author: Post published: April 6, 2023 Post category: tchala boul rale boul Post comments: revels funeral home lumberton nc obituaries revels funeral home lumberton nc obituaries Why My Foot Turns Purple When Not Elevated After Injury. Of course, I told him. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in
I didnt hesitate. It is important to follow your doctors instructions as walking on a broken ankle too early will prevent the bones from healing. IgA vasculitis. Clusters of these veins can make the foot seem blue. Kliegman RM, et al. You should consult your doctor if you have purple feet. Review/update the Deciding when a patient can fly after a pulmonary embolism (PE) comes up a lot. A deep vein thrombosis, DVT, is a blood clot in the veins. All rights reserved. Tendons transfer force from muscles to bones. 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. Its usually caused by spasms of tiny blood vessels near the surface of your skin. Some causes are urgent, and potentially dangerous. Not being able to move around is really killing me as i'm very active. Just having foot turn purple does not mean you have it, but Poor circulation is not a good sign this far after surgery. Thanks again. 5.1k views Reviewed >2 years ago. This could include toes. Hi thank thanks for reply. 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. Frostbite occurs when your skin is exposed to severe cold. I am so scared, even though Ive been in a boot for 6months. Your doctor may also prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to help heal the injured ankle.