About 4 Months Ago My Left Foot Began Swelling On

Posted on Wed, 20 Feb 2019

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

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : about 4 months ago my left foot began swelling on top to a final stage of about 20% and my right foot also, but only to about 10%, and they both remain that way still. The more walking I do seems to mitigate this issue
by up to about half.
It's a cold winter here so not much outdoor hiking (& walking) so the condition remains static.
About 8 yrs ago i had a spinal fusion, which seemed to be quite a success
with the exception that in moving and sorting the spinal area nerve bundle at the site of the procedure caused unusual nerve responses at my left ankle and foot; not so though with my right ankle foot. The surgeon assured me back then that would "sort itself out" in a few days or weeks. that has not come to pass! This may or may not be related to
this subsequent swelling issue ????

Answered by Dr. Dr. Gopal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could have multiple reasons, unlikely to be related to spinal fusion.

Detailed Answer:
Hi I am Dr Gopal Goel Orthopedic Surgeon.
I have gone through the details and in my opinion this swelling has nothing to do with 8 yrs old spinal fusion.
most common cause for this condition would be varicose veins . Other common cause for this dependent edema could be cardiac decompensation , kidney disease or generalised weakness.
I suggest a consultation with your family physician who will try to diagnose and refer you accordingly.
Self medication is not recommended since that may have side effects.
Thanks for the question. Please feel free to ask any other question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng