What might my mom's unexplained but severe foot pain be?
There are so many different things that could be causing pain and swelling in your mom’s foot. Sometimes, unfortunately, the true diagnosis isn’t always obvious to even the best of doctors right away.
If I were seeing your mom, there are several steps I might consider taking. Sometimes fractures, especially stress fractures, are not obvious on the first or even subsequent x-rays. I would consider repeating the x-ray or consider other types of imaging if needed. I would consider blood work to rule out infection or any other systemic cause (like arthritis). A thorough follow up history and physical exam is important to see if anything has changed. Here are some questions that may be considered:
• Has the redness or swelling worsened?
• Are there any wounds?
• Does the swelling decrease with elevation?
• Are there varicose veins present that could cause skin inflammation?
• Has there been any fever?
• What kind of pain is it?
• What makes it worse/better?
• Is there a rash?
The possibility of a blood clot in the leg may need to be considered as well. This can be screened for with a simple ultrasound after a physical exam.
I would recommend seeing a podiatrist in this case. Be prepared: you and your mom should be ready to answer all of the questions listed above and more. A follow up appointment with the prior doctor may be helpful for the sake of comparison. If he/she cannot help you, ask for to be referred to someone that can, or for further testing. Good luck. Remember that feedback, whether it be negative or positive, is critical in helping your doctor figure out the best treatment for your mom.
Why is no one answering my question? Am I suppose to be a group or something for someone to answer me? If everyone don't know..just please say so..please just don't ignore me...I am at my wits end...please please someone help me ...help my mom...
caring daughter
Hi Bev,
Your question has been assigned to one of our experts for a possible answer as of this evening.
Thanks!
Swollen feet since JUNE 24TH, WENT TO ER ON jUNE 29TH, NO DVT,BLOOD WORK OF CARDIO ENZYME' NORMAL, EKG NORMAL, NO TYPE OF FRACTURE DID E-RAY. I BELIEVE IT IS A DEFICIENY OF SOMETHING, OR UNDERLYING PROBLEM LIKE THYROID OR LYMPHEDEMA.
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