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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Does The Left Ankle And Foot Swell Up And Feel As Though It Is Numb?

I am a healthy, active woman. I work out daily using the P90X routine. I am 5 foot 1, weigh 115 lbs and am 57 years old. I am presently a full time graduate student in speech pathology so I spend more time than usual sitting down to study, compile research and completing assigned projects. My question is: Why does my left ankle and foot swell up and feel as though it is numb? Thanks!
Wed, 29 Jan 2014
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
There are plenty of causes for ankle and foot swelling.
As it is unilateral, it is more often due to local causes than systemic.
Some common causes we have to think of are
1. Local infection in foot or ankle like Cellulitis
2. Venous insufficiency or varicose veins
3. Deep vein thrombosis
4. Insect bite or sting on the foot or ankle
History of swelling and associated symptoms like pain, fever etc.. are very important in diagnosing the cause for unilateral swelling in leg.
You need further physical examination and investigations like complete blood count, ESR, Doppler Ultrasound study.

Depending on the cause, treatment varies. For example if the swelling is due to cellulitis, it can be treated by Antibiotics and NSAIDS.
If the swelling is due to varicose veins, it can be controlled by compression banding or Stripping of varicose veins.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Why Does The Left Ankle And Foot Swell Up And Feel As Though It Is Numb?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. There are plenty of causes for ankle and foot swelling. As it is unilateral, it is more often due to local causes than systemic. Some common causes we have to think of are 1. Local infection in foot or ankle like Cellulitis 2. Venous insufficiency or varicose veins 3. Deep vein thrombosis 4. Insect bite or sting on the foot or ankle History of swelling and associated symptoms like pain, fever etc.. are very important in diagnosing the cause for unilateral swelling in leg. You need further physical examination and investigations like complete blood count, ESR, Doppler Ultrasound study. Depending on the cause, treatment varies. For example if the swelling is due to cellulitis, it can be treated by Antibiotics and NSAIDS. If the swelling is due to varicose veins, it can be controlled by compression banding or Stripping of varicose veins. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.