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What Causes Swelling In Foot?
Question: I have had a very swollen right foot for the past 2 days . There is no pain and yes, I can bend my foot downward. I had a right TKR 7 years ago and a tarsal tunnel repair 22 years ago. It is after 2 A.M. as you can see, and I live in a small town with one hospital and only one doctor in emergency. I am now keeping my foot elevated. Should I be unduly concerned????
Brief Answer:
Can be due to venous blood pooling.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling in the right foot with no history of injury with no pain can be due to inflammation in the ankle joint venous blood pooling or due to a decreased lymphatic drainage. Local infection like cellulitis is also likely. It is best to keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting and see if it helps.
You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) If you are taking any hormone replacement therapy then get an immediate evaluation from a physician.
If the swelling persists then I suggest you an immediate physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be due to venous blood pooling.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The swelling in the right foot with no history of injury with no pain can be due to inflammation in the ankle joint venous blood pooling or due to a decreased lymphatic drainage. Local infection like cellulitis is also likely. It is best to keep the foot elevated on two pillows while resting and see if it helps.
You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) If you are taking any hormone replacement therapy then get an immediate evaluation from a physician.
If the swelling persists then I suggest you an immediate physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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