Understanding Persistent Swelling in My Right Foot
As a 35-year-old woman, I constantly notice that my right foot has swollen toes, and both of my feet often take on a bluish or purplish hue, with a persistent feeling of coldness. I occasionally experience a loss of sensation in my right foot, which can last several days, and the discomfort seems to ascend toward my hip. The degree of swelling directly correlates with the numbness; as my foot swells more, the sensation of numbness extends further. This condition tends to worsen after prolonged periods of being on my feet, requiring 1-2 weeks for recovery. I weigh 105 pounds and stand at 5 feet 6 inches tall, without notable health issues that should contribute to this problem. I do have prescriptions for Vyvanse, which I take for ADHD, and Trazodone, prescribed for insomnia. Otherwise, I consider my overall health to be fairly stable. I do deal with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as asthma and fluctuating thyroid levels, but I do not take medication for these conditions. One notable aspect of my medical history is that I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy, but I'm no longer pregnant, and my blood sugar levels have been normal since my last pregnancy in 2021. I'm more curious about the underlying reason for these symptoms rather than feeling greatly affected. While the swelling and numbness can be severe at times—so much so that it once made me hesitant to drive—it generally doesn't disrupt my daily activities.
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 9:20:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant issues with swelling, color changes, and numbness in your right foot, which can be concerning. Based on your description, these symptoms might be linked to a few potential causes. Here are the main points to consider:
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Possible Causes: The combination of swelling, bluish discoloration, coldness, and numbness could be related to vascular issues (problems with blood flow), nerve compression, or even a manifestation of your existing conditions like psoriatic arthritis. Since these symptoms are exacerbated by prolonged standing, they may also indicate circulation problems or nerve entrapment.
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Monitoring: While you mention that these symptoms generally do not disrupt your daily activities, keeping an eye on their frequency and severity is crucial. It’s important to note if changes occur, especially if you experience any new symptoms like increased pain, changes in skin temperature, weakness, or further loss of sensation.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track when the swelling and numbness occur, their severity, and any related activities (like how long you were standing). This will help identify triggers and provide clearer information if you need to discuss this with a healthcare provider in the future.
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Elevate Your Feet: During times of swelling, try to elevate your feet when resting to help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
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Cold and Warm Compresses: Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling, while warm compresses might improve circulation. Alternate between the two to see what works best for you.
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Gentle Exercise: Incorporate low-impact activities like walking or stretching, which can help improve blood flow without overexerting yourself. Be sure to start slow and listen to your body's response.
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Footwear: Make sure you are wearing supportive shoes that fit well, as improper footwear can exacerbate swelling and discomfort, especially if you stand for long durations.
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Consultation Consideration: If symptoms worsen or persist without improvement, consider seeking a professional evaluation to rule out any underlying vascular issues or complications related to your health history.
Your symptoms deserve attention, and while they may not currently interfere significantly with your everyday life, proactive monitoring and self-care can be beneficial. If any alarming symptoms develop, such as severe pain or changes in mobility, seek medical attention promptly.
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