have had unltrasounds for blood clots in foot
had x-rays months ago
had an MRI also and all say edema
but the swelling is only in my right foot and ankle
mostly at the top of the foot which is where the pain started
the skin stays red now and swollen
i am 39 and not diabetic
does anyone have a suggestion?
doctors keep guessing and no one helps

Did you ever get an answer to your problem? I have the same symptoms. Its been almost a year now.

I have also had this "edema" with pain. Sometimes the pain is in my arch under my foot too. I've had it for 6 years now and no one has found an answer yet. Very frustrating. I have diabetes in my family, but have not yet contracted it myself. It seems like the swelling is worse in the summer months.

Dear Debbie
Unilateral foot/ankle swelling can be due to a number of reasons such as 1) Trauma 2) tumor 3) infection 4) DVT (deep vein thrombosis) 5) connective tissue disorder 6) varicose veins 7) lymph edema 8) ruptured muscle/tendon 9) complex regional pain syndrome 10) Baker's cyst, the list goes on... Finding the etiology for your unilateral swelling also invoves getting a accurate history.

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





Dear Michelle
Pain and edema under the arch of the foot can be due to a soft tissue mass, rupture of the plantar fascia, strain/strain tendons or ligaments, connective tissue disorder, regional complex pain syndrome, thrombosed vein... A thorough physical examination and obtaining an accurate history is also very important to finding the proper diagnosis. It is difficult and sometimes very frustrating to be in pain and unable to get an accurate diagnosis, however, I would suggest going for a second, third and fourth opinion, until you find the answer.

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

Try to be tested for Gout.

My 11 year old has more or less the same symptoms, thereby questioning a diagnosis of edema. He's really not in any sports either. It begins inside the foot and radiates to the ball of his foot. In his words while crying, "It burns, like there's flames that start right under these bones." Any suggestions? We'll be taking him to an orthopedist to see what it could be.

Dear Guest
Where specifically does the pain start? Does the pain start at the heel? Prior treatment? Prior tests performed? Any history of trauma? Is the pain constant or is it only with certain activity? If so, what makes the pain worse? Or better? Any medical problems? Any increase activity?

SBarlizo, DPM, C Ped
foot.com expert