Concerns About Foot Swelling and Spider Veins: Seeking Advice
Hello, medical professionals. I'm reaching out regarding my husband, who is 23 years old and weighs 140 pounds. Recently, he has been dealing with significant swelling and blood accumulation in his feet. Additionally, he is noticing spider veins appearing along the sides of his feet and extending up to his ankles. He consulted his primary care physician through the military, but they dismissed his symptoms after a brief assessment, attributing the swelling to his salt intake and suggesting that the spider veins are simply a result of his slender build. However, my husband maintains a well-balanced and nutritious diet, which makes their conclusions seem puzzling and unsubstantiated to me. What I'm hoping to gain from this discussion is guidance on how he can effectively advocate for himself within the healthcare system, as well as potential tests he should consider requesting. Given the challenges of navigating military healthcare, I believe it would be wise for him to seek a second opinion.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 12:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your husband is experiencing concerning symptoms, including foot swelling and spider veins, which can indeed impact his health and quality of life. It’s important to take these issues seriously, especially since they’re not being adequately addressed in his current healthcare setting. Here are some steps you can take and tests he may consider requesting to better advocate for himself:
Summary of Key Points
- Foot Swelling & Spider Veins: These symptoms need attention and could signify underlying issues beyond just salt intake.
- Self-Advocacy in Healthcare: It’s essential for him to express his concerns clearly and seek further evaluation if he feels dismissed.
- Potential Tests & Evaluations: Consider asking for specific tests to rule out conditions affecting blood circulation.
Explanation
Foot swelling (edema) can result from various factors, including issues related to circulation, kidney function, or even hormonal changes. Spider veins, while common, can sometimes indicate compromised circulation or vein-related problems. The military physician's attribution of these symptoms to diet without further investigation may not fully address potential underlying causes.
Next Steps
-
Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Encourage him to note when the swelling occurs, how long it lasts, associated symptoms (pain, redness, warmth), and any activities that may aggravate it. This information can be very useful during consultations.
-
Expand his Questions at Appointments:
- After establishing a symptom diary, he can say, "I've tracked my symptoms and still have swelling that interferes with my daily life. What other factors could be contributing to this?"
- He should express any concern about the appearance of spider veins and how they may relate to his swelling.
-
Request Specific Tests: If seeing a new physician or a specialist:
- Venous Doppler Ultrasound: To check for any blood clots or issues with blood flow in the legs.
- Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and check for any other systemic issues that might cause swelling, like thyroid function tests or electrolyte levels.
-
Consider Lifestyle Adjustments: In addition to medical investigations, he may find relief in:
- Elevating his feet whenever possible to reduce swelling.
- Regularly engaging in low-impact exercises, like walking or cycling, to improve circulation.
- Reducing prolonged periods of sitting or standing, as these can exacerbate swelling.
-
Seek a Second Opinion: If symptoms persist and he remains unsatisfied with medical explanations, encourage him to approach a new healthcare provider emphasizing the impact these symptoms have on his life and functioning. It’s completely reasonable to seek out another opinion for reassurance and to ensure thorough evaluation.
Advocating for oneself in healthcare can sometimes be challenging, but persistence is key. It’s essential for him to trust his instincts about his health. If you have more specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Changes in a Puncture Hematoma: From Injury to New Concerns
Summary: An injury caused by a tack remover resulted in a large internal bruise that has since left a hard lump in my leg. Recently, after bumping it, the lump shifted position and became smaller. Last year, while trying to clear out screw holes on my metal roof in a rushed manner, I improperly wielded a tack remover. The tool slipped, resulting in a painful stab just below my knee. I quickly removed it and descended from the roof, reassured to find the bleeding ceased almost instantly. After carefully cleaning and bandaging the wound, I went about my day. However, after about two hours of activity, I noticed that the bandage was feeling unusually tight. Upon inspection, I discovered that the wound had been bleeding internally, causing a sizeable hematoma which began to grow significantly. I sought help from an EMT, concerned it might lead to compartment syndrome, and was advised to head to the emergency room. An X-ray confirmed extensive internal bleeding, with the hematoma nearly reaching the size of my knee. Fortunately, the wound eventually healed, albeit leaving a hard, immobile lump that felt like bone. Some months later, I accidentally fell on that area. To my surprise, the lump appeared to be smaller than before. A couple of weeks later, two identical lumps emerged overnight on every distal joint of my fingers. Just two weeks after that, the same phenomenon occurred on all ten toes. X-rays of my hands showed no abnormalities, leading me to consider the possibility of reactive arthritis, for which I have an appointment scheduled with a rheumatologist in September. Each time I discuss my knee lump with different doctors, they examine it briefly before expressing mild concern. This morning, I accidentally hit my leg against a drawer. An hour later, I squatted down and experienced familiar pain, noticing that the lump had shifted again—it was now smaller and seemed to have moved closer to my kneecap, rather than being located an inch below as it used to be. I am filled with questions regarding this unusual development. What exactly is this lump? Could it consist of metal fragments my body has surrounded? Is there a possibility of having it surgically removed? Moreover, could this lump be linked to the recent appearances of similar lumps on my fingers and toes? How can I seek further assistance if my primary care physicians dismiss these concerns?
Is This Epilepsy?
**Age Group:** 20s **Concerned Area:** Brain **Duration of Issues:** Over the past few years During the last four years, I’ve experienced multiple concerning incidents related to my head. It all began after an unfortunate encounter on a train where a homeless individual coughed directly on me. Subsequently, I developed pneumonia, and eventually, meningitis. I owe my recovery to the use of a steroid inhaler and antibiotics; without them, I genuinely believe I wouldn’t have survived. One morning, I woke up with a painfully stiff neck, icy hands, sensitivity to light, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. At first, I assumed I must have slept awkwardly, so I decided to use my cold hands to ease the discomfort in my neck. In a surprising turn, my body tensed up suddenly, and I lost consciousness, falling off the bed—an event that I suspect was a seizure. The aftermath left me feeling quite disoriented. On another occasion, I was randomly assaulted when someone struck me in the back of my head. Following that, I found myself under significant stress during which my right eye experienced a strange malfunction, leading to a stroke-like episode that doctors later identified as a hemiplegic migraine. Shortly after visiting the emergency room, I caught COVID-19 while waiting, and post-recovery, I noticed that every cough caused my head to spin to an alarming degree, almost causing me to lose my balance. Coupled with this, I had clear fluid incessantly leaking from my nose, which was identified as cerebrospinal fluid. I've undergone an MRI and various other medical tests. Lately, I've been plagued by feelings of confusion and occasional déjà vu. It often feels like I’m disconnected from my own body. Just today, I felt particularly out of touch. In moments of high stress, I often feel dazed and unable to grasp what’s happening around me. Despite consulting several doctors, their responses have left me feeling frustrated and without clarity on the situation.
Is It Possible to Retain a Mark from an IV?
A 38-year-old woman, standing 5 feet tall and weighing 175 pounds, who is menopausal due to a hysterectomy and is on estrogen therapy, shares her experience. On May 6th, I visited the emergency room (ER) where an IV was inserted into my forearm. The process was quite painful. I ended up in a side waiting area, separate from the larger main area. Previously, I had worked in this ER and knew that this particular zone was designated for overflow or those needing IVs but without a room available. IVs can often be a source of discomfort, and I usually take the chance to rest when I can, laying in bed to nap. However, on this occasion, I opted for a standard chair, and any slight shift in position caused significant pain. After some time, the nurse came over and promptly removed the IV, and I felt a sharp pang as she did. She instructed me to press a gauze pad against the site. On my journey home, I noticed more bleeding than usual—while it wasn't excessive, it was still above my norm. The following day, I discovered that the area was significantly bruised, a deep purple hue extending about 2-3 inches in diameter. Over the next few weeks, it gradually healed, but as of today, I am left with a faint brownish mark. It's subtle enough that others might not notice it, yet it's visible to me when I extend my arm. Is this a common occurrence? Might the abrupt removal of the IV be the cause of this lingering mark? Thank you in advance for your insights!
Concerns About Abnormal Blood Test Results in a 54-Year-Old Non-Drinker
I’m a 54-year-old woman who recently underwent routine blood testing for the first time in many years. Typically, I’ve enjoyed good health, maintaining a healthy weight and stable blood pressure, which is why I hadn’t felt the need for regular check-ups. My doctor expressed some concerns regarding my results and has referred me for both a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. I would appreciate any insights into the following abnormal blood work results: - Hemoglobin: 9.9 - Iron: 16 - Percentage Saturation: 4% - Hematocrit: 32.3 - MCV: 67.3 - MCH: 20.6 - MCHC: 30.7 - RDW: 17 - ALT: 102 - Bilirubin: 0.2 - Hemoglobin A1C: 6 - Vitamin B12: 1469 All other tests returned results within the normal range. In addition to these lab findings, I’ve been experiencing: - Occasional bright red blood in my stool, often described as clots, which I have been advised in the past is due to internal hemorrhoids and not to worry about. - Unintentional weight loss over the last year, approximately 6-8% of my body weight. - Persistent fatigue. I want to add that I do not consume alcohol, and I’ve had an IUD for two decades prior to reaching menopause, resulting in no menstrual periods for many years. What could be potential explanations for these lab findings? While I understand that the colonoscopy scheduled for next week will provide more information, I’m looking for some reassurance to help me cope until then. Thank you!
Recent Diagnosis of Nephrocalcinosis
I am a 38-year-old woman with no previous history of kidney stones. Recently, while investigating some abdominal discomfort and episodes of diarrhea, an ultrasound revealed abnormalities in both of my kidneys, described as echogenic. Upon further examination, the diagnosis identified was medullary sponge kidney. Just this week, I had my first appointment with a nephrologist who recommended a series of tests, including a 24-hour urine collection, blood tests, and a CT scan. The results from the CT scan indicated the presence of medullary nephrocalcinosis, but I did not receive extensive information regarding its implications. Additionally, the radiologist mentioned the existence of small kidney stones. During a follow-up conversation with my doctor, when I inquired about the severity of the calcification, he commented that the radiologist's report should have provided more details. I’m seeking opinions on my CT scan and would appreciate any insights, especially since I'm new to understanding this condition. Unfortunately, I’ve encountered some issues trying to upload images here, but I will attempt to share them in the comments section.