What Causes Severe Swelling In The Foot?

Posted on Sun, 15 Jan 2017

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

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 8 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My left foot started to swell this morning around 6 a.m. I packed it in ice to control the swelling. The swelling HAS NOT gone down, and now the swelling is moving to my calve. It is 9 hours later, and I can not seem to control the swelling. I can put pressure on my foot and still walk. I am not able to see any puncture marks to see if insects bit me. There is slight pain radiating in center top foot, but not uncomfortable. I have taken aspirin, but no other OTC medications. Should I wait this out or proceed to an urgent care/emergency facility. I am not diabetic, and have no known illneses.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Limb elevation, crepe bandage, doppler

Detailed Answer:
Hi there

Thanks for the query

If you are getting swelling without any trauma to the foot and ankle, avoid icing it. Rather apply warm packs to the affected region. Keep the limb elevated. Avoid squeezing or massaging. The swelling should subside with limb elevation.

Also you can apply crepe bandage from the foot to the calf, bound upwards.

You can get a Colour Doppler done to rule out any clots if the swelling does not subside in a couple of days or if you feel shortness of breath.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

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