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Excessive Swelling On Feet, Ankle, Calves. On Feet A Lot. Numbness In Hand, Index Finger. Cause?
Dr.,
A bit about my background now, at the moment I am homeless and I am doing a lot of walking, probably at LEAST 3 to 4 miles per day (that is a conservative estimate). So, I am on my feet a lot, but I also have two part time jobs which both require almost exclusive walking and standing as job requirements. My medical problem stems from excessive swelling in my feet and ankles, even up into the back of my calves, especially my left calve. I do not get to wash my feet as much as I should due to my living state and I am able to get into clean socks an average of every two days. There is not much pain here but the swelling is VERY noticeable. I also about the same time have numbness in my hands, AGAIN, especially in my left hand and in my left pinkie and index finger. It is not painful but it feels awkward. Both of these symptoms occured at about the same time 2 or 3 months ago. Thanks for your expert opinion sir.
A bit about my background now, at the moment I am homeless and I am doing a lot of walking, probably at LEAST 3 to 4 miles per day (that is a conservative estimate). So, I am on my feet a lot, but I also have two part time jobs which both require almost exclusive walking and standing as job requirements. My medical problem stems from excessive swelling in my feet and ankles, even up into the back of my calves, especially my left calve. I do not get to wash my feet as much as I should due to my living state and I am able to get into clean socks an average of every two days. There is not much pain here but the swelling is VERY noticeable. I also about the same time have numbness in my hands, AGAIN, especially in my left hand and in my left pinkie and index finger. It is not painful but it feels awkward. Both of these symptoms occured at about the same time 2 or 3 months ago. Thanks for your expert opinion sir.
Fri, 6 Sep 2013
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In terms of the swelling in the legs and feet, it is likely related to the prolonged periods of walking and standing.
There are 2 levels of veins in the legs and the blood is to flow back to the heart however sometimes the valves that stop the blood from going in the other direction do not work well.
For this reason blood may build up in the legs after walking or standing for long periods.
If you can get a chance to stop and prop up your feet for a while it would help the swelling to go down.
The numbness in the hand may be related (1)circulation problems,
(2)bony problems such as arthritis or herniated disc
(3)diabetes
4)low thyroid hormone
(5)vitamin deficiency
(6)alcohol
(7)MS
I hope this helps
In terms of the swelling in the legs and feet, it is likely related to the prolonged periods of walking and standing.
There are 2 levels of veins in the legs and the blood is to flow back to the heart however sometimes the valves that stop the blood from going in the other direction do not work well.
For this reason blood may build up in the legs after walking or standing for long periods.
If you can get a chance to stop and prop up your feet for a while it would help the swelling to go down.
The numbness in the hand may be related (1)circulation problems,
(2)bony problems such as arthritis or herniated disc
(3)diabetes
4)low thyroid hormone
(5)vitamin deficiency
(6)alcohol
(7)MS
I hope this helps
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