Purplish discolorations in foot: is there a test to assess this condition? - Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Message Board

sealover · 06-25-2007, 02:57 AM

Hi all,

I need to know if there is a test or tests that can be done to assess why my bad foot sometimes has areas of purplish discolorations when I stand in the shower and when I'm sitting for long periods of time. Do these purplish discolorations mean that the area is not getting enough blood flow? If the area is not getting normal blood flow, I guess that's not good for muscles and tissues. Although some areas are purplish, most of the rest of the foot is normal colored. I don't notice any coldness to my foot, however, there were a few times in the winter when part of my bad foot felt cooler to the touch than my good foot.

I also just noticed one or two varicose veins on my bad foot on my arch. I don't have any varicose veins on my good foot or on my legs. Plus, not too long ago, I started to get swelling in my ankles after being on my feet in public with sneakers (in the house I usually wear slippers, and my ankles don't swell).

Well, I have to admit that I don't get enough exercise because of my foot pain, so some symptoms like ankle swelling can be due to lack of exercise. But I can't diagnose my symptoms.

I had a bone scan done on my feet, and my doc said that the bone scan would rule out any abnormalites with regards to purplish discolorations. But I'm not so sure if a bone scan is the right test for this. I don't really think this doc is very knowledgeable because he thought a bone scan could be used to rule out osteoporosis...the doc was wrong because a bone scan is not a test for osteoporosis.

Thanks for your help.

mixtinn · 06-25-2007, 05:57 AM

Sealover,
I think I read your thread before about this.. Rsd is really hard to DX expecially in the begining for some.. You could be in the very early stages of it.. The symtoms your explaining are the same symtoms I started with in my hand.. I had this purplish spotty discoloration.. My dr did tell me that your veins do pertrude alot more with RSD.. My hands look like an old women.
With the swelling.. I alway had slight swelling nothing much..
I think you need to find the right dr.. one who knows what he's doing.. Its so important to get this dx in early stages...
I went through all those test.. everyone of them came back negative. The only one that didn't was my emg.. I due have nerve damage but thats due to my herniations.. Have you had any thermal testing done?
I know what your feeling right now.. so confused you don't what do think.. Its really hard to get on the computer and read up about this.. It fooled me so much.. I was comparing myself to the pics online.. I would say.. this isn't me.. I don't look like that.. Well fours yrs into it I do..
I wish you luck.. Have you seen a neurologist?
Michelle

jodom1979 · 06-25-2007, 08:46 AM

Hey sealover, How are ya living girl?

I was told That my purple discolorations could be due to "Raynauds syndrome"
She said sometimes they go hand in hand being your sympathetic nervous system controls BP, Respirations and something else. Cold weather my leg foot turns purple...Hot, It turns RED to normal coloring for brief periods.
Im not saying you have it, but its somethingI think is possibly over looked. My PM doc was very shocked I found it out and actually researched it and had me in the next day.

One thing though, It mainly affects toes and fingers.... but read up on it and bring it up if you feel you need too. Take care and I'll Look forward to hearing from ya

Jon

Kat3441 · 06-27-2007, 07:19 PM

You might try a good rheumatologist. My dr. just referred me to one and I was suprised when talking to the rheum. that he actually diagnoses rsd, and all kinds of strange illnesses that I have yet to hear about. I am going to see if I can add anything else to the list. It might be a good start. With my rsd arm, my hand is always changing temp, going from cold to hot, the veins protrude. A good dr. makes a big difference the how your care goes and how you feel mentally. I feel so much better now that I have my current pain dr. I hope you track down the issue.

Kat

PS when your foot is cold try heating pads to help warm it. Cold is one thing I can't handle anymore. I am a big baby when it gets to 60.

sealover · 07-04-2007, 12:43 AM

Hi Michelle,
When I injured my foot a few years ago, some of the initial symptoms like hypersensitivity to touch seemed similar to RSD, but then those issues went away. To answer your questions: I've not had thermal testing done...I asked about it, but a doc refused to order a test. I've seen a neurologist a while back who did an evaluation and EMG which came back normal...he doubted I have RSD, but did note the fat pad atrophy in my foot. I don't have swelling in my foot, just in my ankles when I wear my sneakers for a period of time. It's probably because I don't get enough exercise and the fluid pools near my ankles (or something like that). I'm kind of disgusted with doctors now because the latest one wrote in my record that my pain is mostly psychogenically-induced...he was a jerk at the appointment, so I shouldn't be so surprised at the negative stuff he wrote in my record.

Hi Jon,
I'm okay, how are you? How is your craving for Lobster?

I'm starting to *try* to use my exercise bike to get into better shape...I have to try to work through the pain. Do you have Raynaud's? Thanks for sharing the info about this condition. My mom's friend has it. I don't have any of the symptoms of Raynaud's, though.

Hi Kat,
A rheumatologist is a good suggestion. You're so right that a good doctor can make all the difference. What do you do about your hand changing from hot to cold? Thank you for the heating pad suggestion...I have one. I also have a paraffin wax bath that provides some temporary pain relief. I have only noticed a few times that part of my left foot felt cooler than my right foot in the winter. In the summer, the two feet feel the same.