Swelling in one foot only

Posted by Denise on May 22, 1999 at 16:36:41
I hope someone can help me.  My daughter is 20 weeks pregnant with a normal pregnancy.  BP/urine, etc. is all ok.  For the past 3 weeks, she has had severe swelling on the right foot, ankle & part of her calf only.  It is painful but not red - no apparent bite marks.  They did an x-ray and nothing is broken.  Her ob/gyn said to lay on her left side as much as possible but it hasn't helped.  Dr. told her to take Tylenol and she'll just have to live with it.  I do not feel this is normal at all - her left foot & leg are normal.  Her previous pregnancy had no problems like this.  I am very concerned for her.  Is there a different type of doctor she should go to?  Should we be concerned about this - she can't wear regular shoes.  She did not injure the foot to her knowledge - I know it is terribly uncomfortable for her and she has to be on her feet a lot at work.  We would sincerely appreciate any help.

Posted by hfhs.md.rcs on May 23, 1999 at 18:23:31
Dear Denise:
Swelling of the right leg is more common than the left due to the normal tendency of the uterus to turn to the right and compress the venous blood flow from the right leg more than the left.
Ulilateral swelling is due to local factors. A search has been made for infection and thrombophlebitis, the two important things to exclude. With this reassurance, local therapy (support stockings, elevation, position) are the best therapies.
Keywords: leg swelling
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consutlation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your healthcare provider.