Sudden Foot Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help

Q: Sudden Foot Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hello： Based on your description of increasing redness and swelling, it is likely related to inflammation or could be a concern for infectious or rheumatologic conditions. <br>If you are experiencing pain that prevents you from walking or have a fever, it is advisable to visit th

Swollen feet?

I recently noticed swelling on my foot (in the area where the heel connects to the calf, above it).
About a week or two ago, I discovered a small lump that appeared suddenly, without any trauma or injury.
It has since grown larger, approximately the size of a nickel, and is red in color.
It hurts when I press on it, but not when I don't.
Initially, I didn't pay much attention to it because it was small, but today I realized it has become more serious.
I would like to inquire about what kind of issue this might be and which medical specialty I should consult.

Qiao Qiao, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/11/24

Dr. Zeng Guosen reply Internal Medicine

Hello: Based on your description of increasing redness and swelling, it is likely related to inflammation or could be a concern for infectious or rheumatologic conditions.
If you are experiencing pain that prevents you from walking or have a fever, it is advisable to visit the emergency room.
Sincerely, Dr.
Kuo-Sen Tseng, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2004/11/24

More Info

Sudden foot swelling, especially in the area where the heel connects to the calf, can be concerning and may indicate various underlying issues. Given the description of your symptoms—a sudden onset of swelling, redness, and tenderness upon pressure—it is essential to consider several potential causes.

Possible Causes of Sudden Foot Swelling
1. Injury or Trauma: Even if you do not recall a specific incident, sometimes minor injuries can go unnoticed. A small sprain or strain could lead to localized swelling and inflammation.

2. Infection: An infection in the skin or deeper tissues (such as cellulitis) can cause redness, swelling, and pain. If the area feels warm to the touch or if you develop a fever, this could be a sign of an infection.

3. Gout: This is a type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affecting the big toe but can also cause swelling in other areas of the foot. Gout attacks can occur suddenly and are often accompanied by redness and severe pain.

4. Venous Insufficiency: If the veins in your legs are not effectively returning blood to the heart, this can lead to swelling, particularly after prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

5. Lymphedema: This condition occurs when lymph fluid does not adequately drain, leading to swelling. It can be caused by various factors, including surgery or radiation therapy affecting lymph nodes.

6. Allergic Reaction: If you have come into contact with an allergen, it could cause localized swelling and redness.

7. Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease can lead to generalized swelling, but localized swelling can also occur.

When to Seek Help
Given that your swelling has increased in size and is accompanied by tenderness, it is advisable to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider who specializes in musculoskeletal issues, such as an orthopedic specialist or a podiatrist. If there are signs of infection (increased warmth, fever, or spreading redness), you may need to see an urgent care or emergency medicine provider.

Recommended Actions
1. Rest and Elevation: Avoid putting weight on the affected foot and elevate it to help reduce swelling.

2. Ice Application: Applying ice packs to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help decrease swelling and numb the pain.

3. Compression: If appropriate, using a compression bandage can help manage swelling, but ensure it is not too tight.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in the swelling, pain levels, or the appearance of the skin. If you notice any worsening symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

5. Medical Evaluation: A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and possibly order imaging studies (like an X-ray or ultrasound) or blood tests to determine the underlying cause of the swelling.

In summary, sudden foot swelling can arise from various causes, and while some may resolve on their own, others may require medical intervention. Given the duration and progression of your symptoms, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.

Similar Q&A

Unexplained Leg Swelling and Pain: A Neurological Concern

Hello doctor, on the night of April 27th this year, I injured the bottom of my left foot on a plug, leaving a wound. I disinfected it and applied ointment, but the next evening, the top of my left foot suddenly swelled up like a hill. My right foot also swelled, but not as much a...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Jill, You mentioned that the discomfort was initially localized below the ankle, but it has now extended to the thigh and is painful to the bone. This upward progression of abnormal sensations may suggest chronic polyneuropathy. However, you also noted symptoms of edema...

Understanding Foot Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

Dear Dr. Lin, I have recently been experiencing swelling in my feet (they feel hard and swollen, unlike typical edema), and it seems to be getting worse. Aside from a decreased appetite and feeling a bit low in energy, I do not have any other discomfort. Could you please advise ...

Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
First, if you have had a follow-up examination of thyroid function within the month prior to the onset of your symptoms (as mentioned above) to rule out hypothyroidism or hypoparathyroidism (since these conditions can cause symptoms), and you are experiencing swelling that does n...

Understanding Sudden Calf Swelling and Pain: Causes and Solutions

Hello: My right calf suddenly swelled up. I haven't done any exercise, and my work is relatively light, purely design work. Why did it swell so much all of a sudden, and there is pain inside, possibly in the muscles or nerves, making it difficult to walk? I have also experie...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear users: There are many causes for calf swelling and pain, including muscle strains, overuse, infections, fractures, and poor blood circulation. Based on your description, since there is no history of injury or overuse, the likelihood of a venous thrombosis causing poor blood ...

Morning Foot Swelling: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice

When waking up in the morning, if you notice slight swelling on both sides of your feet that subsides after walking around, it could be due to several reasons, such as fluid retention, poor circulation, or prolonged pressure on the feet during sleep. This condition may fall under...

Dr. Cai Ruiyuan reply Family Medicine
Hello: The issue of leg swelling may be related to diseases of the kidneys, heart, liver, lower limb lymphatics, or thyroid, and it may also be associated with prolonged standing, excessive salt intake, venous stasis in the lower extremities, premenstrual syndrome, or certain med...