Having Swelling In Foot And Ankle. Had Orthotics For Flat Feet. What To Do?

Posted on Mon, 22 Jul 2013

Question: I cannot figure which type of doctor to go to. I have swelling in my left foot and ankle. I had surgery for the top part of my foot several years ago to scrape it? (Foot doctor) But continued to have pain afterwards when walking. Have had orthotics for flat feet for at least 5 years. Right foot OK but felt like Igor many of times trying to walk on left. 10 Years ago before I possibly sprained my ankle and kept reinjuring it but did not go in for tx. Then to top it off, I had a fall in my garage 5 years ago flat on my face. etc. etc. that created surgery, hemotomas in forehead, broken nose. However, I mention this as my whole left side was black and blue days following even though I fell on my face literally. I had surgery to get rid of a carbunckle (?) blood pooling on my left hip. Why I mention this is that it seemed I started to have swelling in my left foot after this. Have not had any special tests, X rays that I know of for the ankle/foot area, so do not know if I just go back again to foot doctor having gone to him after saying I was still having some swelling and at that time he suggested PT. He mentioned to come back if that didn't work, but I am bothered by the fact that I didn't have any tests done before or after. My regular doctor that I don't have a lot of faith in except for the usual check up etc, but not any sort of specialty? I'm wondering if I should seek out a foot 'and' ankle doctor? am I looking at vascular? (being on BP meds) All I know is that something isn't quite right and I am wanting to be able to go to the right effective place as like a lot of people, money is an issue and would like to go to the right place for the right situation.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (26 minutes later)

Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
The timescale for your injuries to your ankle appear to stretch back 5 years. There may have been soft tissue injuries at this time which would have caused pain and swelling. You seem to have been suffering for many years with little benefit from physiotherapy. Therefore, I would suggest you need to see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in feet. Scans of your foot may help identify the underlying problem which will guide further treatment. This may not necessarily be surgery and may be physiotherapy but you will have a definitive diagnosis which will give you confidence in any further management.
I hope this has helped you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar