Endocrinology, Diabetes Questions Endocrinology-Diabetes

Foot problem?

I have type 2 diabetes and a pretty bad case of neuropathy. I take medicine for that and also see a doctor for it. I woke up this a.m. and my left foot was swollen and is extremely red, from my ankle to about my sock line. It really hurts and my leg is also painful further up but is not red or swollen. I can barely walk on it. I do not want to go to the hospital given the current situation there. I would rather wait to see my doctor on Monday, if possible.

Female | 69 years old
Complaint duration: 01

4 Answers

GO TO THE ER. Sounds like cellulitis. With neuropathy, you often do not feel problem until advanced. Catch it as soon as possible. (If you are familiar with doctor, she or he could prescribe antibiotic by phone.) I would rather it be looked at. You may have stepped on a needle and don't feel it or a trauma there may be a callous or an ulcer. See someone within 12 hours.
Type 2 diabetes is usually one of the features of metabolic syndrome, which includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. High uric acid that leads to gout is also a feature and is frequently neglected in management. Your symptoms suggest this problem. However, infection is always a danger must also be excluded. A visit to a physician for blood work and treatment is important and should not be delayed.
This is a medical emergency. Seek medical care immediately or you may lose your foot, or you may develop sepsis and die,
I would not wait until Monday you be seen as soon as possible. This may be an Infection, gout or a Charcot foot which is a complication of a severe sensory neuropathy causing bone fractures in the foot, inflammation, pain, swelling, redness.
Please don’t wait ;get immediate care

Marvin A Leder MD FACE FACP