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What Causes One Foot To Be Larger Than The Other?

Posted on Thu, 4 Sep 2014

Question: I have noticed recently that right foot is larger than left. My slippers fit better on right footnthan left. Broke leg in March. Could this be the reason?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Right leg appears swollen due to cast removal

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
It is important to know where you broke your leg and for how long did you have your foot and leg in cast. With a history of immobilization of the ankle joint, it is possible that even after removal of cast, you will end up with a slightly swollen foot which is the reason you notice your right foot to be larger. This is because of little amount of fluids collected in the affected foot due to limited mobility when in a cast.

Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)

I broke the tibula and fibula in lower part of right leg. I had my foot and leg in a splint first for 2 weeks after surgery which was performed on March 20th, and then in a hard cast for 5 weeks. I had 2 plates and 16 screws put in. I had cast removed on May 5th.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Fracture and surgery can cause right foot swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I am sorry to hear about your pain and discomfort in the last few months.
The fracture and its treatment can cause occasional fluid accumulation in the right leg and foot. This is most appreciable immediately after removing the cast. However since you have had a bad fracture involving lower ends of tibia and fibula on the right side, this is the reason for your right leg appearing a bit larger. You may consult a physiotherapist for any physical discomfort that you are having on your right leg and foot.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (39 minutes later)

So the break of the tibula and fibula is the reason for right foot to be larger than left even after all these months? Nothing to be concerned about?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No concern if only swelling

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

You have had a major surgery and the surrounding soft tissues were also injured. This can take up to 6 months to heal completely. If its only swelling without any pain or discomfort then not something to worry about. You may keep your feet elevated when sleeping to allow drainage of fluid and reduced swelling.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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