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What Causes Sudden Swelling In The Foot?

Posted on Mon, 10 Jul 2017

Question: I recently had a vascular episode in my left leg from the groin to the foot, whereby I felt something floating down from the groin area to my foot. My foot did swell up. This was three weeks ago. bSince my left swelled up I iced it with ice packs. Since that time the swelling in my foot has gone down considerably. I will tell my primary doctor about this, but do I need a vascular doctor?

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Depends on your clinical exam.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
*what is your height and weight?
*do you smoke or consume alcohol?
*do you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes?
*how long have you had hypothyroidism?
*how long have you been on allopurinol?
*have you had any recent blood work done?
*do you have any tingling or numbness in your legs?
*any skin discoloration over the legs?
*any changes in urine?
*any recent injury to your hip, back or leg?

Based on your symptoms, I would like to check for kidney stones and dysfunction and vascular insufficiency.

I recommend :
-a physician consult
-blood tests (complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests, lipid profile, homocysteine levels, blood glucose levels)
-urine analysis
-ultrasound abdomen
-doppler study of the vessels of the legs, if clinically indicated.

It could be due to the current medications that you take or improper pressure regulation in your body.
The need to Consult a vascular surgeon will be based on the results of your clinical examination.

Hope I've answered your query. Please get back to me with the above requested clarifications.
If you have any further queries, I'd be glad to help.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (1 hour later)

*what is your height and weight?
No
*do you smoke or consume alcohol?
No on smoke and sometimes on alcohol

*do you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes?
Moderate blood pressure and no diabetes

*how long have you had hypothyroidism?
Had Thyroid cancer twice and had thyroid removed.

*how long have you been on allopurinol?
Three years ago, after I had a reaction to eating 1.5 lb lobster.

*have you had any recent blood work done?
Yes, in preparation for my annual physical with my primary care doctor at the end of XXXXXXX

*do you have any tingling or numbness in your legs?
Had some tingling in injured leg

*any skin discoloration over the legs?
Skin discoloration is more ruddy(reddish) and some swelling

*any changes in urine?
Not really noticeable

* any recent injury to your hip, back or leg?
Not anything major.

Dr Shuba XXXXXXX thanks for your response.

xxxxxxx xxx. xxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
To rule out vascular insufficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow-up and clarifications.

*How were the results of your tests? Could you please upload them here?
*You've mentioned no major injuries, so what all injuries did you get? When? (even minor injuries can be responsible, so please let me know)...

The skin discoloration suggests a vascular insufficiency.
Keep your feet elevated at hip level with support under your knees. Use pillows perhaps.

I suggest you consider my earlier recommendations. Please let me know if you have any further queries.

Wish you good health

Warm regards
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee