My Mother Feet Is Swolen And She Has Pain In

Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 7 Apr 2020 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My mother feet is swolen and she has pain in her toe. nothing visible outside. she is diabetic bit her sugar levels are normal

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need some more information....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I would like to know since when is she having this problem?
Did the swelling develop suddenly or it gradually formed?
Did she sustain any injury?
Is the swelling on both feet or only one?
Does the swelling pit on pressure?
Does she have high blood pressure problem too?
May I know her age?
Can you upload pictures of the affected area feet and leg?

Awaiting your response...

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (15 hours later)

Hi Doctor, my mother is 70 years old and she has high blood pressure and taking medicine. This problem she has for almost a month immediately after her travel from bus for almost 10 hours. Usually l, she gets this problem whenever she travels. Last year she has undergone knee replacement surgery for her both the legs. Since last one week she is having a diet food without salt. We could see some improvement in the swelling and pain. The swelling is there for both the legs. I am enclosing the photo of both the legs

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Related to blood pressure and its treatment....

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

From your description the swelling is probably related to dependent edema. It means when the leg is in dependent position and the gravity causes pooling of blood resulting in swelling. Typically amount of swelling is proportional to amount of time the limb (leg) is in dependent position. Often this problem is noticeable in people who are hypertensive. A few BP tablets particularly amlodepine can worsen the problem. Therefore I would like to know what are her regular BP medications.

A salt reduced diet is a good option. In addition, I would also suggest to avoid long travel. Should there be a need for travel, prefer sleeping birth which will allow her to rest foot above the ground.

The next time the swelling arises, encourage her to raise the leg on a stool (in sitting time) and while sleeping place couple of pillows under the leg.

I will continue the discussion after I review her blood pressure medications.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (10 hours later)

Doctor. She is taking the below medicine for her BP
Teleact 40mg 1 x x
Nicardia retard x x 1

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Medications could contribute to the problem...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Dependent pedal edema is one of the side effects reported by calcium blocker drugs including Nicardia retard. Also there are some reports that teleact may aggravate this side effect. She can discuss with her treating doctor once the condition in the society (COVID crisis) improves. In the meanwhile she should follow the recommendations given earlier - keeping limb elevated on stool and pillow.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more information.

Regards

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