I'm having a problem that is driving me crazy- more than usual!
Two weeks ago I was prescribed unloader braces for both legs due to serious OA. The reason for the braces is to buy me some time because I also have OA in my back. I have been told by more than one surgeon that no one will do my knees until my back is done but right now they only give me a 30% chance of it doing any good. So I wait.
So I go for the braces, wear them home, no problem. By the end of the day, my legs were completely swollen right down to my ankles. Ok, it was humid, it was the first time wearing them, and I was sitting alot in work. Next day it gets worse, so bad that I had to take them off. Since then the swelling has gotten worse. From my knee to my ankle I am so swollen and fluid filled it's frightening. I call my OS, he sends me for an ultrasound to make sure there's no clot. All is well. I go back to his office and he tells me he thinks I had a Baker Cyst that broke on it's own, probably from the straps of the brace pressing on it. Ok, I can accept that but I don't have the pain everyone describes and I'm on day 3 of ridiculous swelling. He tells me not to worry, keep my legs elevated and it will go away on it's own. Watch for redness, heat, and bruising - any of which I should go to an emergency room.
I've always had a little swelling in my ankles, mostly on the right side - I don't know why. He tells me it's from the back problems.
Right now I'm completely confused - does this sound even remotely familiar to anyone? Help!