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Swelling in my left foot and hand. What could be causing this?
Optional Information: Person's Gender: Female Person's Age: 23 Already Tried: Ice packs, elevating leg and arm
Hello, welcome to JustAnswer! My goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive answer, so if you need more info, please ask!
From the information that you have provided, it appears that you have developed swelling in your left foot and left hand. How long has the swelling been present? Have you ever had a similar problem? What medications are you taking?
Any other associated symptoms, such as pain in those areas, or possibly more systemic symptoms, like fatigue, headache, etc.? Any recent travel? Are you pregnant? What medical conditions do you have?
Some of the information that you provide for me can help me to provide you with the most detailed information. There are several possible causes for acute onset of swelling in the extremities, some of which we can talk about once I know more about your particular situation.
Yes I am a bit fatigued( and started having a headache just a few hours ago) .I have been under a lot of stress for the past couple of weeks. I didn't start swelling until late yesterday afternoon. Another bit of information that may be help is the fact that I was in the ER for chest pain , shortness of breath and a tingle sensation in my left hand. But all EKG's, blood work & cat scan came back negative for any serious heart problems or heart attack.
Swelling in your extremities can be caused by a number of different things. Swelling can be a sign of heart failure, liver failure or kidney failure, which causes excess fluids to back up into the tissues of your extremities. It appears that you were recently in the emergency room with chest pain and shortness of breath, how long ago was this? There is always concern when there is acute onset of swelling in the extremities that it could suggest organ failure, and it is always necessary to undergo laboratory tests to determine if your kidneys and liver are functioning properly. I assume that when you were in the ER, they already tested your liver and kidney function, but since you have had progression in your condition, and now have swelling, fatigue, headaches, it may suggest that something serious could be going on that may be able to be diagnosed with repeat laboratory studies.
Swelling can also suggest rheumatoid arthritis, venous insufficiency, lymphatic obstruction or high salt diet.
Regardless of when you were last seen in the ER with the chest pain and shortness of breath, given that you now have developed acute onset of swelling in your arm and leg, you need to be re-evaluated. You should go back to the ER and also get in touch with your primary care physician, this is not something that you should wait on, especially given that you have had recent chest pain, shortness of breath and now have headaches and fatigue.
I cannot provide you with a diagnosis because I cannot physically evaluate you and the only way for you to get an answer in this regard is to have laboratory testing. I would also ask your doctor to check for signs of rheumatoid arthritis, with ANA, sed rate, and rheumatoid factor. It will be necessary to have your blood pressure checked as well. For now, avoid salty foods, low sodium foods only! Avoid caffeine and alcohol and elevate your arm and leg.
If you have a family member available to assist you, have them take you to the ER or acute care clinic to be seen, and make sure that your doctor is aware that you are having these new symptoms.
Please understand that this information is for educational purposes and does not replace a good examination at a clinic or hospital. The information provided is not intended to be used as medical advice specific to your situation and is more for educational issues to help you make appropriate decisions regarding your situation.
I was in the ER just this past Friday. And was cleared of any heart problems they said my heart appeared to be fine. Im only 24 years old and relatively healthy
Even though you were cleared in the ER last Friday, the symptoms that you currently have are quite concerning, when considered as a whole with the chest pain last week. Swelling in the extremities can be caused by many different things, but, in your case, the possibility of other causes are less likely. Without knowing exactly what tests they performed and what the results were, it is impossible for me to provide you with a clear and concise diagnosis or assessment of your condition as a whole. The fact that swelling is present in both the hand and in the leg, is more concerning for possible fluid overload and backup, which suggests kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart failure, and/or high sodium intake.
As I stated previously, you need to let your doctor know what is going on. Your health is so important and I don't want you to think that just because you were cleared in the ER last week that you are less likely to have something more serious. I can't provide you with specific information that you may be seeking because laboratory tests and diagnostic studies are absolutely necessary for further evaluation. Further, your blood pressure needs to be checked.
I hope that I have been able to provide you with some support. I understand that you may be frustrated and confused about the recent plethora of symptoms, but, even in a young and healthy female, these things can happen. Please do not hesitate to present for immediate evaluate at a hospital or health clinic, they are there to help you and are equipped to provide you with a clear and accurate assessment of your condition. I wish you the best.
Experience: 8+ yrs, Orthopedics, Worker's Comp, general practice