“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.
-
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.
Related Questions
Exploring Inositol and CoQ10 for Managing PCOS Symptoms
As a 28-year-old female, I have faced the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) since my teenage years. Starting from the age of 16, I have dealt with highly irregular menstrual cycles, occurring anywhere from three to eight months apart. My diagnosis has been substantiated through two ultrasounds and blood tests revealing elevated androgen levels. Despite maintaining a healthy diet and leading an active lifestyle—balancing my work as an environmental biologist with gym sessions alongside my husband—I continue to wrestle with weight management. Other symptoms impacting my daily life include significant hair loss, unwanted facial hair, and persistent fatigue. In my journey to manage PCOS, I previously sought counsel from a gynaecologist, who primarily suggested hormonal birth control as the main approach to alleviate my symptoms. Although I adhered to this recommendation for several years, the hormonal changes negatively impacted my mood, leading me to discontinue its use. Another alternative proposed by my gynaecologist involved androgen blockers, but these are not suitable for me since my husband and I plan to start a family in the next two to three years. Recently, my research led me to discover that supplements like Inositol and CoQ10 might effectively combat insulin resistance and lower androgen levels. They are purported to improve various symptoms associated with PCOS, including the regulation of ovulation, all while boasting minimal adverse effects. I am curious about the viability of these supplements as alternatives to hormonal birth control or androgen blockers in managing my PCOS symptoms.
Seeking Clarity on My Spinal Tap Results: A Bit Anxious
I am a 31-year-old woman experiencing a continuous headache for the past four months, accompanied by feelings of nausea and exhaustion. I take Lexapro each day to manage my mental health. I have a history of migraines and headaches, but this recent episode doesn't align with my previous experiences. Here are the findings from my spinal tap: - **Opening Pressure of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)**: 9 cm H₂O - **Presence of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in CSF**: 2,570 - **Total Protein Level in CSF**: 107 mg/dL - **ACE Level in CSF**: 4.4 - **Other Tests on CSF**: Results were normal. - **Brain MRI and MR Venography**: Both tests yielded normal results. - **Blood Test Results**: Normal results were obtained. Given these results, I'm feeling a bit uneasy and I’m hoping to better understand what they might indicate about my health.
Navigating Ear Infections While Traveling in Thailand
**Age:** 23 **Height:** 6'3" **Weight:** 88 kg **Medication Taken:** 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin with Potassium Clavulanate, along with pain relief and antihistamines. **Summary:** I’m hesitant to consult a doctor overseas only to receive a prescription for the same antibiotics available at a local pharmacy for a fraction of the price. What strategies can I employ to effectively manage this persistent ear infection? Am I being too hasty in my expectations? I have a long history of ear infections, often triggered by exposure to water or any activity impacting my ears. I regularly use a specialized oil before showering to prevent water from entering my ears. While backpacking in Thailand, I've developed a particularly severe ear infection over the last several days. Initially, a course of 500mg amoxicillin seemed effective, but significantly, just yesterday my condition took a downturn, shifting from nearly healed to painfully inflamed. Now, my ear is not only swollen but also incredibly sore. In an attempt to combat this, I’ve been taking 1000mg Bactoclav - Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate, having consumed seven tablets in the last two days; unfortunately, there's been no noticeable improvement. I’m reluctant to seek medical attention, fearing I would be prescribed the same medication I could acquire from a pharmacy, albeit at a much higher cost. Yet, I’m also starting to question the efficacy of the pharmacy’s medication. I’ve only recently begun the stronger treatment since my symptoms returned. Any advice would be greatly valued! In addition, I’d like to share that just a week into my four-month journey, I feel as though my ongoing ear issues are gradually dominating my life. I am incredibly grateful for this travel opportunity, and while my health isn’t at risk in a serious way, these ear complications are becoming quite overwhelming. Could there be surgical options available? Might there be an underlying health concern that I’m unaware of? It doesn’t seem normal to be plagued by constant ringing, popping sounds, and wax buildup in my ears. Moreover, it feels excessive to have to apply products in my ears every time I shower.
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.