Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Excessive Swelling On Feet, Ankle, Calves. On Feet A Lot. Numbness In Hand, Index Finger. Cause?
Dr.,
A bit about my background now, at the moment I am homeless and I am doing a lot of walking, probably at LEAST 3 to 4 miles per day (that is a conservative estimate). So, I am on my feet a lot, but I also have two part time jobs which both require almost exclusive walking and standing as job requirements. My medical problem stems from excessive swelling in my feet and ankles, even up into the back of my calves, especially my left calve. I do not get to wash my feet as much as I should due to my living state and I am able to get into clean socks an average of every two days. There is not much pain here but the swelling is VERY noticeable. I also about the same time have numbness in my hands, AGAIN, especially in my left hand and in my left pinkie and index finger. It is not painful but it feels awkward. Both of these symptoms occured at about the same time 2 or 3 months ago. Thanks for your expert opinion sir.
A bit about my background now, at the moment I am homeless and I am doing a lot of walking, probably at LEAST 3 to 4 miles per day (that is a conservative estimate). So, I am on my feet a lot, but I also have two part time jobs which both require almost exclusive walking and standing as job requirements. My medical problem stems from excessive swelling in my feet and ankles, even up into the back of my calves, especially my left calve. I do not get to wash my feet as much as I should due to my living state and I am able to get into clean socks an average of every two days. There is not much pain here but the swelling is VERY noticeable. I also about the same time have numbness in my hands, AGAIN, especially in my left hand and in my left pinkie and index finger. It is not painful but it feels awkward. Both of these symptoms occured at about the same time 2 or 3 months ago. Thanks for your expert opinion sir.
posted on
Thu, 5 Sep 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 5 Sep 2013
Answered on
Fri, 6 Sep 2013
Last reviewed on
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In terms of the swelling in the legs and feet, it is likely related to the prolonged periods of walking and standing.
There are 2 levels of veins in the legs and the blood is to flow back to the heart however sometimes the valves that stop the blood from going in the other direction do not work well.
For this reason blood may build up in the legs after walking or standing for long periods.
If you can get a chance to stop and prop up your feet for a while it would help the swelling to go down.
The numbness in the hand may be related (1)circulation problems,
(2)bony problems such as arthritis or herniated disc
(3)diabetes
4)low thyroid hormone
(5)vitamin deficiency
(6)alcohol
(7)MS
I hope this helps
In terms of the swelling in the legs and feet, it is likely related to the prolonged periods of walking and standing.
There are 2 levels of veins in the legs and the blood is to flow back to the heart however sometimes the valves that stop the blood from going in the other direction do not work well.
For this reason blood may build up in the legs after walking or standing for long periods.
If you can get a chance to stop and prop up your feet for a while it would help the swelling to go down.
The numbness in the hand may be related (1)circulation problems,
(2)bony problems such as arthritis or herniated disc
(3)diabetes
4)low thyroid hormone
(5)vitamin deficiency
(6)alcohol
(7)MS
I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Herniated disc
Loading Online Doctors....