“Both feet are swollen?”
I am a 56 year old male, I have meniscus surgery 9 weeks ago on only my left knee. My wife says my feet have been swelling before the surgery but I never noticed. They are swollen significantly now and it's hard to bend my toes. Is there a most probable cause for this? Would it be related to the surgery? And if so why in both feet and ankles why not just the surgical site?
Male | 56 years old
Complaint duration: 7 days
Conditions: Swelling in both feet and ankles
11 Answers
Bilateral swelling is not related to the surgery - it sounds like venous insufficiency - probably worsened by fluids you got during the surgery and post-op decreased activity. You should make an appointment to go see your PMD.
Hi! Yes swelling will be associated with surgery but I would recommend an evaluation by your primary and even vascular doctor to make sure there are no underlying cardiac or circulation issues. Other causes of swelling include remaining too sedentary.
The meniscus surgery would ad to the edema of the rest of the limb and you would expect that that limb would have greater swelling than the other limb
However swelling of both limbs should be investigated wit a non invasive peripheral vascular examination which is a screening of the arteries and veins of both lower extremities looking for stenosis or blockage of the arterial vessels or venous insufficiency or blockage in the venous system thrombophlebitis
Further evaluation and treatment is advised after this initial in office exam
This should include examination of the heart as you can be walking around with a heart attack and no other symptoms than pitting edema in the feet and ankles
Kidney or liver disease needs to be ruled out with a blood test
Elevation and compression with support hose stockings can be helpful if arteries are not compromised and may be all that is necessary
So you need to be evaluated by a doctor who can run these tests as a delay could result in death if it involves a major organ
Plan for the worst possible scenario and hope for the best
Do not delay an evaluation especially with other symptoms like shortness of breath or unable to lye flat in bed and need of sleeping with multiple pillows to prop up the head
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
However swelling of both limbs should be investigated wit a non invasive peripheral vascular examination which is a screening of the arteries and veins of both lower extremities looking for stenosis or blockage of the arterial vessels or venous insufficiency or blockage in the venous system thrombophlebitis
Further evaluation and treatment is advised after this initial in office exam
This should include examination of the heart as you can be walking around with a heart attack and no other symptoms than pitting edema in the feet and ankles
Kidney or liver disease needs to be ruled out with a blood test
Elevation and compression with support hose stockings can be helpful if arteries are not compromised and may be all that is necessary
So you need to be evaluated by a doctor who can run these tests as a delay could result in death if it involves a major organ
Plan for the worst possible scenario and hope for the best
Do not delay an evaluation especially with other symptoms like shortness of breath or unable to lye flat in bed and need of sleeping with multiple pillows to prop up the head
Jan David Tepper DPM,FACFAS
CEO Family Foot & Ankle Center
984 West Foothill Boulevard, Suite B
Upland, California 91786
O 909-920-0884
F 909/920-9810
WWW.drtepper.com
JDTDPM@aol.com
Not both feet. It may be explained by other medical conditions. Not the surgery.
It's possible you may have a blood clot, so get that checked. However, if
you have swelling in BOTH feet and ankles, then you are probably retaining
fluid, most likely because your blood pressure is high. Get that checked
as well.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
you have swelling in BOTH feet and ankles, then you are probably retaining
fluid, most likely because your blood pressure is high. Get that checked
as well.
Hope it helps!!
Dr. Bose
I am not sure if this is related, but going by the pic, it is something serious. please see a podiatrist aasap.
See my responses on the leg, foot, and ankle swelling as well as my responses referring to venous insufficiency.
Schedule to see your primary doctor as soon as possible. There are many causes for bilateral swelling of the feet, and often times the issue is systemic. If you have calf tenderness, shortness of breath, of flu like symptoms, go to Emergency to check for blood clot.
I recommend you schedule an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options
Visit PCP ASAP this sounds cardiac in origin. Consult Functional Medicine. Start Acupuncture with Moxibustion.
I would be concerned about a blood clot and therefore you should see your surgeon RIGHT away. We usually obtain a Doppler study to make sure you do not have a blood clot. Compression stockings and elevating your feet will be helpful.
