What’s normal — reperfusion
​​After we reopen a long-blocked artery (a chronic total occlusion), it is normal to have pain and swelling in the foot and lower leg for a few days to a few weeks as blood floods back into tissue that was starved. This is called reperfusion, and on its own it is not a cause for alarm. Elevate the leg, use pain medication as directed, and give it time. If you need to be seen sooner, just call — we will get you in.
Your wound after the procedure
​​Some change in a wound is expected as blood flow is restored. Call the office if the wound is enlarging or deepening, has new foul or cloudy drainage, develops spreading redness or red streaks, turns black, or is accompanied by a fever. Wound care · CLTI
When it is an emergency
Pain that becomes severe, unrelenting, or rapidly worsening — especially with a foot that turns cold, pale, blue, or numb, or that you cannot move — is not routine and needs urgent evaluation right away. Call the office, and for sudden severe symptoms call 911.
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