Swollen Foot and Tingling Sensation: What Could Be the Cause?

Swelling on the dorsum of the foot, with a tingling sensation upon pressure?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, I experienced pain in the dorsum of my left foot when bending it forward while walking, possibly due to walking for too long or poor posture.
The pain subsided after a few days, but my foot became swollen.
When I try to massage it, I feel a tingling sensation, and pressing on a specific area causes numbness along that nerve.
What could be the possible causes? Should I seek further evaluation, and which specialty should I consult?

Cai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/23

Dr. Huang Hongling reply Neurology

Hello, you can start by changing to shoes that do not put pressure on the top of your foot, such as certain sandals or high heels that tend to cause pressure in that area.
Avoid wearing them to prevent compression of the nerves in the foot.
If the numbness persists, it is recommended to consult a neurologist.

Reply Date: 2024/04/23

More Info

Swelling and tingling sensations in the foot can be concerning and may arise from various underlying causes. Based on your description, it seems that you experienced pain in your left foot, which then transitioned into swelling and a tingling sensation. This could be attributed to several factors, including mechanical stress, nerve compression, or even vascular issues.

One potential cause of your symptoms could be related to the mechanics of your foot and ankle. If you have been walking for extended periods or have adopted an improper posture while walking, this could lead to overuse injuries. Overuse can cause inflammation in the tendons or ligaments in the foot, leading to swelling. Additionally, if your foot is not properly supported, it may lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis, which can cause pain and swelling.

Another possibility is that you may be experiencing symptoms related to nerve compression. The tingling sensation you describe could indicate that a nerve in your foot is being compressed or irritated. This could happen due to swelling in the surrounding tissues, which might be pressing on the nerves. Conditions such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, where the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle, could lead to similar symptoms. This condition often presents with tingling, burning, or numbness in the foot, especially when walking or standing for long periods.

Moreover, vascular issues could also contribute to swelling and tingling sensations. Poor circulation or venous insufficiency can lead to fluid accumulation in the lower extremities, resulting in swelling. If you notice that your symptoms worsen after prolonged periods of sitting or standing, this could be a sign of vascular involvement.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Depending on the specific symptoms and their severity, you may want to consider seeing a specialist in either orthopedics or neurology. An orthopedic specialist can assess any musculoskeletal issues, while a neurologist can evaluate potential nerve-related problems.

During your visit, the doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to assess the structures of your foot and ankle. They may also conduct nerve conduction studies to evaluate the function of the nerves in your foot. Based on the findings, they will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, medications for pain and inflammation, or other interventions.

In the meantime, you can take some self-care measures to alleviate your symptoms. Resting your foot, applying ice to reduce swelling, and elevating your foot can help. Additionally, wearing supportive footwear and avoiding activities that exacerbate your symptoms may provide relief.

In summary, the combination of swelling and tingling in your foot could stem from mechanical stress, nerve compression, or vascular issues. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

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