Persistent Redness and Numbness in Left Foot
Age: 22, Weight: 117 kg Not currently prescribed any medications. No smoking habits, consumes alcohol moderately, and uses recreational drugs occasionally. Over the past couple of months, I have experienced a developing sensation of numbness on the outer aspect of my left foot. This was soon followed by the emergence of a small, firm bony lump beneath the skin, which is not replicated on my right foot. Additionally, I've observed a patch of redness that has become a consistent feature, slightly smaller in size than the numb area. To my knowledge, there hasn't been any recent injury to the foot. I would estimate that these symptoms have persisted for around two months now. **I seek insights from medical professionals regarding A) the possible causes of this condition, and B) whether I should consult a healthcare provider in my vicinity for further evaluation. The redness seen on the top of my foot is a result of scratching an itch in that area. While this might be a related issue, I also spent some time at the beach just hours before I posted this inquiry.
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 6:50:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms in your left foot, including numbness, a bony lump, and redness. These symptoms could be due to various causes, including nerve-related issues, inflammation, or even localized infections.
Possible Causes:
- Nerve Compression or Injury: Numbness might indicate a compression of the nerves in the foot or leg, which can happen due to prolonged pressure or certain positions.
- Bony Growths: The firm lump could be a benign bone growth, such as a bone spur, or a more specific condition like a ganglion cyst or lipoma, often harmless but can cause discomfort.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Some conditions like arthritis, particularly if there’s swelling or increased redness, can also lead to these symptoms.
- Infection or Inflammatory Response: The redness, especially if associated with itching or recent trauma, might signify an ongoing inflammatory process or mild infection.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in numbness, size of the lump, or appearance of the redness. Note any factors that worsen or improve your symptoms.
- Limit Irritation: Avoid scratching the reddened area to prevent further irritation or infection. Keep your foot clean and dry.
- Gentle Stretching and Rest: Consider gentle stretching exercises for your foot and leg to relieve any potential pressure on the nerves, but give your foot adequate rest.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given that these symptoms have persisted for two months, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. They can conduct a proper examination and may suggest imaging (like an X-ray) or other tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Addressing your concerns promptly can help ensure any underlying issues are managed effectively. Let me know if you have more specific questions or need further clarification!
Related Questions
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.
Challenges with Appetite and Discomfort While Eating — Difficulty in Gaining Weight
As an 18-year-old male, I find that I become satisfied after consuming rather minimal amounts of food. This situation presents a considerable challenge, particularly since I only need to have a standard breakfast, lunch, or dinner to feel completely satiated for the remainder of the day. My goal of increasing my weight has made this issue even more complicated. When I limit myself to one meal per day, I often face weight loss or an uncomfortable sensation of fullness that leaves me feeling sluggish. Opting for two meals makes me feel excessively bloated, distracting me from my daily responsibilities. Moreover, I suffer from an unusual issue with my throat, where almost any food I consume causes discomfort, as detailed in the list below. I have contemplated focusing on having just lunch while continuing my weightlifting regimen to maintain my current weight and gradually build muscle. What advice could you offer? Could there be an underlying cause for these symptoms? Lastly, would it be wise for me to consult a healthcare professional? Foods That Cause Discomfort: Bread, flour, pizza, fruits, sugary or starchy items, seed oils, chips, and essentially everything else. Foods That Are Tolerable: Rice, salads, chicken, fish, and vegetables. Overall Symptoms Include: * Quick satiety after normal meals * Challenges in gaining weight * Bloated and lethargic sensations when consuming more than one meal * Persistent throat sensitivity to a wide variety of foods