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Can erythema nodosum recur in the same spot on both feet?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 33-year-old female with a history of erythema nodosum. I used to get outbreaks over my bilateral shins and ankles. The last bad outbreak was probably around seven to eight years ago. I woke up this morning with pain and swelling of the lateral parts of both feet around the cuboid bone. The strange thing was that it continued to hurt with radiating pain throughout the day.

I made a podiatrist appointment. After x-rays and examination, he diagnosed me with peroneal tendonitis and gave me orthotic boots and ankle braces to wear. The doctor seemed confused by the swelling and the fact that this happened so acutely with no injury, increased activity, etc. However, it did not hurt me until I reach home.

I am realizing that the pain is so familiar, like my nodules, which I used to get on my shins. I am just wondering if it could really be erythema nodosum on that part of my foot and especially being that it is occurring bilaterally at the same exact location on each foot.

Is this possible?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are here to help you.

Reading your case summary and studying the attached report (attachment removed to protect patient identity); I would say that the favorable diagnosis in your case would be erythema nodosum (inflammation of fat cells under the skin). Characteristically, the lesions appear on the anterior legs but can be present anywhere. It can be bilateral or unilateral. I would advise you to go for the following investigations:

  1. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
  2. Throat swab for streptococcal.
  3. CRP (C-reactive protein).

In case these tests come out negative, then you should go ahead for ANA (antinuclear antibody) and skin biopsy to rule out vasculitis.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your response.

So, is it common for the bilateral location to be in the same spot on each foot?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, we frequently see the same picture. Actually, every disease in reality is not as classical as it is in the literature. Moreover, there are chances that investigations are required; if we feel that the picture is not classical. The common presentations are seen in cases having vasculitis. So, you need to be sure of it with the help of investigations.

I suggest you go for the discussed investigations and let us be sure of the diagnosis. You must have been given treatment by your doctor.

Can you mention the medicines given to you?

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At July 19, 2016
Reviewed At March 12, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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