Podiatrist Questions Podiatrist

Leg pain?

Yesterday my left ankle started hurting and it felt like I strained it. It hurts to put weight on it and is mildly swollen. My feet and hands feel numb at times. Today my right leg hurts and I have a little red mark on it. Not warm, I think I just am babying the right leg because the left one hurts. I have severe anxiety and had COVID back in January 2022. Not sure if the numbness is post covid related or if I have a blood clot or it's simply a strained leg. My vitals, temperature, and O2 are normal.

Female | 39 years old
Complaint duration: 1
Medications: Albuterol, alprazolam, paxil
Conditions: Depression, anxiety, asthma

3 Answers

Hello and thanks for sharing your ankle issue with the FATD community. Allow me to give you thoughts, tips, and suggestions regarding this ankle problem. I am relieved to read that the problem was not due to a specific traumatic injury and that it has not been ongoing for more than a day. Therefore, it is most likely a fatigue-based or overuse type of onset of pain. If it is a symptomatic blood clot then the pain is usually in the inner thigh (tight and painful). I am not sure how much you exercise (or the type) and when the last time was that you exercised. My patients feel a bit more energy and less pain when they exercise. It can be something as simple and range of motion and gentle stretching exercises. Unfortunately, COVID-related bodily issues can be different for different people, so it is not easy to reliably related COVID to specific feelings of bodily pain. Severe anxiety may also play a factor in bodily pain manifestations. I recommend staying positive, getting rest, hydrating, and if your doctor permits it, taking anti-inflammatory medications with food for 2 days or so. Finally, exercise should be a part of the healing process. If the pains become worse over the next 10 days, then it may be best to consult a doctor. A more detailed history and a good exam would be a great step if the pains continue.
I like this link:
https://www.pop-doc.com/joint-preactive.html
I recommend you make an appointment with a foot and ankle surgeon (podiatrist) for diagnosis and treatment options.
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Covid most definitely can have secondary medical issues associated with infection. Included are circulatory issues as well as neurologic issues. The numbness in the hands and feet is concerning. Have you been tested for Diabetes? Also, long-term use of some of the psychotropic medications you take can have neurologic effects. You should see a neurologist and have NCV/EMG studies done to test your nerves. If the problem is in your feet persists, you should seek professional attention.