Expert: Roger Eib - 10/29/2009

Question
I am a 23 year old female. Weigh approx 112lb and am 5 7.
For the past 4 days my right foot has been swollen (the bridge, not the ankle). It does not hurt (much) but I am unable to put it into a shoe and walk with a noticeable limp. I have not had any insect bites or bumps, and the colouration is normal. I'm currently on my period (not sure if that's relevant#. I did the test for edema #ie pushing my thumb into the foot and seeing how long it took for the 'dent' to disappear# and the dent disappeared almost as soon as I had pushed my thumb in - so I'm guessing it's not water retention? This has happened once before when I was teaching long hours at a stressful school, but it happened to both feet and went down when i drank lots of water. However recently I have not been on my feet and been neither stressed nor dehydrated! I dont have any other symptoms besides my #normal# period pains. I have tried elevating my feet but it does not make much difference.

Thank you so much for answering in advance! I'm most grateful.

I dont really want to go to the doctor unless I have to because I have no money!

Answer
Sally,


There are many things that would cause what you describe. I am wonder if you have some type of a stress injury. The only way to tell is with an X-Ray. Has your feet every swollen with your period before? May women retain water with their period. Other than that I really don't know.


                                                       Roger