“Osteomyelitis in foot?”
I completed 6 weeks of IV infusion. The infectious disease Dr says he is done. I have so much swelling and pain. He gave me Gabapentin. It does nothing. It has been 3 weeks since I finished infusions. Should I see podiatrist for brace or orthotics or something? I am elevating it as much as possible. I do not know if I am not giving it enough time or what. I can't even walk much or do anything for hurting.
Female | 66 years old
Complaint duration: 9 weeks
Medications: cholesterol and antidepressant Venlafaxine and Gabapentin .
Conditions: No spleen
3 Answers
You absolutely need another opinion from an orthopedic dr ( not a podiatrist) and another ID doctor, preferably in a major referral teaching center ASAP.
I do not know the details or anatomy of your osteomyelitis. Usually osteomyelitis in the foot occurs in diabetics and patients with decreased peripheral blood circulation. It is usually categorized as contiguous focus osteomyelitis. This is difficult to cure without extensive surgical debridement or limited amputations. I am concerned that your infection may not have been cured if you only received antibiotic therapy. I would recommend that you see an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist who specializes in foot infections. You probably need repeat X-rays and an MRI scan to see if you still have active infection.
Thanks for the question. It is possible there is an additional issue here. A fracture, bone tumor, foreign object, refractory infection, Tb or fungal infection, or other possibilities exist. You should see a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation.
