“Concerns Over Non-Healing Ankle Sores in Elderly Mother”
Greetings, medical professionals, I’m reaching out regarding my 78-year-old mother, who is currently experiencing significant issues with both of her ankles. Over the past few months, she has developed painful sores that are increasingly deteriorating. Unfortunately, these lesions show no signs of healing, and the area around her ankles is frequently red, swollen, or occasionally discolored. Due to the discomfort, she primarily remains in a wheelchair and has recently become resistant to attempts at walking, citing pain as the reason. Here are some pertinent details concerning her condition: - **Patient Age**: 78 - **Health Issues**: She has a history of high blood pressure and is on medication for this condition. A blood sugar test performed recently indicated normal results. - **Medications**: Long-term management of high blood pressure. - **Duration of Sores**: Approximately 10 months. - **Pain Level**: Yes, she is experiencing pain. - **Previous Treatments**: Attempted treatments include Silbacor cream, which has antibiotic properties, and cleaning the wounds with lukewarm saltwater. - **Mobility Status**: She spends all her time in a wheelchair. - **Additional Observations**: Her toes display a dark purple hue, and the bridge of her left foot is notably swollen with wounds that continuously weep. While we are planning to take her to the hospital for further evaluation, we would greatly value any initial advice or critical signs we should be vigilant about. Thank you for your support! 🙏
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 4:31:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother’s condition; it sounds very challenging for both her and your family. The sores on her ankles, particularly given their duration and worsening state, require careful attention. It’s a positive step that you’re planning to take her to the hospital, as they can provide a thorough evaluation and necessary treatment.
Key Points:
- Your mother has non-healing sores that have persisted for 10 months.
- These sores are associated with redness, swelling, and pain, alongside discoloration of her toes.
- She has mobility issues and has become more reluctant to walk due to discomfort.
Explanation:
The sores on your mother’s ankles could be due to several underlying issues, such as poor circulation, the effects of prolonged pressure from staying in a wheelchair, or possible infection. Given her age and medical history, these factors can complicate her healing process. The dark purple hue of her toes may suggest reduced blood flow or other vascular issues, which often require immediate medical evaluation.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a close eye on any changes in the appearance of the sores (size, color, and any discharge).
- Note if she develops any fever or increased pain, which could indicate infection.
-
Prioritize Pain Management:
- Encourage her to take pain relief medication as recommended (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to help manage discomfort, provided there are no contraindications based on her current health conditions.
-
Foot Care:
- Keep the sores clean and dry. While saline solution is fine for cleaning, consider ensuring that any dressings used do not stick to the wounds (non-adherent dressings can be helpful).
- Avoid further irritation: Ensure her wheelchair has cushioning to relieve pressure on her ankles.
-
Preparation for the Hospital Visit:
- Gather detailed information about her symptoms and history of treatments (including the Silbacor cream) to share with the healthcare professionals.
- Discuss any concerns about her mobility and pain levels so that a comprehensive care plan can be set in place.
-
Consider Nutritional Support:
- Good nutrition can support healing. If not already included, ensure her diet contains adequate protein, vitamins (especially Vitamin C and Zinc), and hydration.
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Plan for Follow-Up Care:
- After hospital evaluation, discuss options for home care or rehabilitation services to assist her mobility and provide wound care support.
Your proactive approach is essential in managing her condition, and timely medical attention can significantly improve her quality of life. Please keep an open line of communication with her healthcare providers for further personalized recommendations following her evaluation.
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