I am concerned about my boyfriend's foot. His left foot is completely swollen and has been for about five days. Yesterday we noticed his right foot was beginning to swell as well. He has herniated disks in his neck, and is awaiting a date for surgery, but the neurosurgeon he's been seeing for that says this is not related. He will not call his doctor because he is currently on disability for his neck, and has no health insurance. He said it's not painful, and as far as we know, and he's been tested fairly recently, he is not diabetic. He's tried icing it, but that has not helped. He spends most of his time sitting in a recliner due to the pain he's in from his neck, but just before the foot swelled up, he had spend the weekend in PA at a truck show, and was doing a lot of walking in sandals. It has not, however, subsided at all since he's returned, and as I said, the other foot is now beginning to swell as well. Since he won't make the phone call, or go see his doctor, I'm hoping someone has some kind of a suggestion. How long do we wait it out before I attempt to drag him to the emergency room. (And he's 6'4 adn 300 lbs... that won't be easy.)

Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Susan

Dear Susan
Foot and leg swelling is actually a very common problem, usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the lower extremity. It may be exacerbated by standing for an extended period of time. However it could also result from being seated for a long time, such as while on a long flight. Fluid retention can also result from high sodium diets, pregnancy or while women have their menstrual periods.
Fluid retention may also be a sign of a more serious problem such as heart, liver or kidney failure. Your boyfriend needs to be evaluated by a medical doctor in order to determine the cause of the problem.

Good-luck and thank-you for contacting foot.com,
SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert