I have recently been experiencing both swelling and tingling on my left side. My left foot is quite swollen by the end of the day, especially around the ankle and I am experienceing a strange tingling (not pins & needles, not really numbness) in my left leg and left arm. I am in the purple group this year. I recently got new shoes but this was occuring before I got them. Any advice?

Edited to add:

I am female, mid-forties, no health issues. No family history of heart disease but plenty of family history of cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Dear Purple People Eater,

Single side swelling usually means the problem is some where on that side and biomechanical in nature. When swelling is fairly equal on both sides it indicates more of a systemic problem of the body not regulating fluids well. If you feel comfortable replying here with some more detailed information I can help figure out what may be happening. Could you tell me what a typical breakfast and lunch would be for you? Is the swelling in your leg through the entire leg or below the knee in the calf region only? How long during the day are seated? I’ll look for your reply and get back to you ASAP.

Cheers,

Dr. Bryan

The swelling is below the knee, mainly around the ankle and foot. I have it a little on the right side too but the left is much worse. Breakfast - usually a bowl of high fibre/protein cereal, a piece of fruit and 2 cups of half caf coffee. lunch is a mixed bag - often a frozen dinner and a piece of fruit, sometimes a salad or sandwich.


I have a totally sedentary job - 8 hours of staring at a computer all day.

You are missing your water. Better start drinking that first. I am sure the doc will comment again too.