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How Should Enormous Swelling In The Left Foot And Ankle Be Treated When Diagnosed With Arthritis?

Posted on Wed, 17 Jan 2024

Question: I am a male at 58 years old. I have for the second time in three weeks had enourmous swelling in my left foot and ankle area. It is so painful for a couple days to walk on the foot. Then most of the swelling went away. It came back over the weekend and there was no real incident that caused it. it is still very swollen but I can now walk on it. When it happened the first time I did go to a doctor (urgent care) and they found no broken bones in the X-Ray. The doctor did say there were some arthritis in the foot. I have never had this happen before.

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need to undergo further evaluation

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Recurrent acute swelling in ankle and foot is concerning for possible arthritis (especially gout) or underlying joint infections(septic arthritis). An Xray alone cannor conform the diagnosis. Further testing including complete blood count, blood uric acid levels, joint aspiration(arthrocentesis) to analyse the joint fluid are required at this point .
So, please be advised to follow up with your primary care provider for necessary evaluation.
Meanwhile, continue Ibuprofen. Apply ice to the affected area and keep the affected leg elevated. Take adequate rest.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (2 hours later)

I also wanted to notify you that I have been in a walking boot on my other leg for another issue I had with my right foot. I was worried that this might have impacted my Achilles tendon in my left foot (the one I am having problems with in regards to this inquiry). Thank you for your input

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please see below for detailed answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Using any kind of boot on the right leg will not cause Achilles tendon injury in your left foot. Achilles tendon injury occurs after direct trauma or if you are on medication like fluroquinolones.
Recurrent episodes of swollen joint defenitely raises the concern for underlying joint pathology like arthritis.

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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