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Left ankle and calf is swollen. No pain, but getting increasingly nervous.
AlyceInWonderland
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, I woke up this morning and noticed that my left ankle and my calf was swollen. I didn't think much of it, and figured it'd go down, but it's 4:47pm now, and it's just as swollen if not more. The area feels very firm, and almost tingly, and my toes feel kind of cold. I made a thread a week or so ago about a race I was running, and that went excellently, but I got really badly sunburned and it was VERY very trying on my body (11 miles up a mountain, and 30 obstacles. 6 hours in the sun), so I don't know if that could cause swelling in an area? I'm just very nervous, because I'm afraid of infection because I don't have health insurance. If anyone could give some insight on wtf is happening to my body, or at least calm me down a bit, I would really appreciate it. I like my leg, and want to keep it.
Thanks!
Thanks!
AlyceInWonderland on
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You could also have a fracture on a metatarsal or some strain/sprain on some muscle/ligament/tendon that could cause a similar issue. If you can, get to a doctor, in the meantime wrap it as best you can to reduce swelling. Keep it elevated above your heart, as well. Ice will help as well.
But it goes without saying that a doctor is your best course of action. How's the pain on it overall? Family history of diabetes (I mean assuming from your race I imagine you're a healthy person)? Are you on any medication too? (sorry about all the edits)
Obligatory "I'm not a doctor, but..." here's what I'd do in the mean time: take some ibuprofen, which can help reduce swelling. Also rest (obviously), and elevate your leg. I've heard of swelling from bad sunburns before...you can look it up on Google of course for some [probably obvious] advice (which will include "see a doctor plz"), as well as advice based on insane maladies you most likely do not have (which will include "go to the ER plz").
Also, you can always call doctors' offices/clinics and ask how much they'll charge you to come in, and describe your situation to see if any of them will suggest anything for you to do in the meantime (in addition to coming in).
I can;t afford to go to a doctor. I'm totally uninsured, and won't be for the next few months, unfortunately.
There is zero pain around the swollen area. The only part that hurt/hurts is right above the arch in my foot and it's very very mild. Other than that, there is zero pain. My aunt and grandma had diabetes, but that's it as far as I know. No medication, and I'd consider my self recently healthy (Lost about 45 pounds over the course of the last 8 months due to eating better and exercising).
This is a very good idea.
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There are a lot of things that can cause this, and some of them are not good (congestive heart failure, diabetes, embolisms) and a lot of stuff that isn't quite as bad (sprains/fractures on the metatarsal)
You're not on BCP (or any estrogen), steroids (asthma?), or something like amlodepine (calcium channel blocker) right? (some people don't consider those meds)
The only thing that I'm "on" is the NuvaRing, but i've been using it for over 2 years.
e: I've also been taking extra strength tylenol for the past 2 days due to sunburn pain and achy muscles.
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I can has cheezburger, yes?
e: I don't know if this will make a difference, but here's my one fat leg.
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I mentioned your problem to someone, and I was told this is very likely to be the beginning of Arthritis. It is a good idea that you see an Orthopedist, and or a Rheumatologist
What I'm trying to say is that you should google for the nearest community clinic and give them a call. Mention that you don't have insurance and see if they have a sliding fee system or payment plans that can assist you. You can see a doctor for as little as $20 even without insurance, you just need to find them. Hope you feel better!
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Alyce see what you can do about getting into a low cost/free clinic in your area.
Keep it under compression and elevation. Prolonged swelling that goes untreated can damage your feet. Also if money is an issue, your parents/family would rather help than see you get hurt more.
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Since you just did a pretty strenuous exercise, my first bet would be an injury. Does your leg feel warm at all to the touch? I don't see any redness from the picture you showed.
One other possibility is a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can present similarly to what you are describing - slightly painful swelling in the lower extremities. Most cases of this are with people who are stationary for long periods of time and they get a clot in their legs - think long flights and things like that or bedridden people, so this is generally low suspicion for you. If you start having any shortness of breath go to the ED as fast as you can since that could mean this potential clot has gone to your lungs in something called a pulmonary embolism. If you go to the doctor they will most likely do an ultrasound of your leg and probably take some x-rays of your leg and chest.
The fact that you use an estrogen product (nuvaring) can put you at an increased clotting risk - hopefully you don't smoke or use tobacco products because that combination further increases your risk.
Again, this is probably just some sort of injury from your run since you weren't used to that extent of physical activity and I don't mean to worry you. I realize going to the doctor is expensive without insurance, but it's hard to put a price on your health and your peace of mind.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002204/
Because you mentioned you've been doing lots of running. And when I think running I think shin splints, cause I always get them. And if you ignore those enough, it can turn into compartment syndrome.
What conflicts the most with that though is that you said you aren't in any pain. Compartment syndrome is supposed to hurt. A lot.
But still, if you aren't going to a doctor, all you can really do is take therapeutic doses of anti inflammatories, rest, ice it, and hope it doesn't turn black and fall off.
Top, and now right under the ankle, but still VERY very little pain. I'm thinking I twisted it somehow. It is warm to the touch, and there is some light bruising around it. I found a free clinic near my office, and I'll go there next saturday (when it's open) and probably get a full exam while I'm at it.
E: Also, every other part of my body feels great. No shortness of breath or anything.
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Great! Very happy you found this, and good job on looking for it. Because that's a week from now though, I'd definitely still suggest you keep up with the rest and such. You don't want to aggravate the issue, if aggravating it is possible.
And for the unsolicited advice- you really shouldn't be pushing your body to the limit if you can't see a doctor when you accidentally go over the limit.
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Congrats. Keep an ace bandage handy if you notice some swelling. This way you can just wrap it up on the instead of icing and NSAIDs on the weekend.