Swollen Foot and Leg

I would suggest getting a second opinion. It's amazing what a new set of eyes and a different perspective (varied experience) can bring to the picture. Also, have your daughters foot/leg checked out by an orthopedist, podiatrist and possibly a cardiovascular specialist and/or endocrinologist. I'm originally from Riverside so I know there are some good doctors there but maybe this is something that needs to be checked out by specialists either at Loma Linda or UCLA Med Center. It's not normal for a teenagers leg and foot to be swollen like that for so long so I'm sure that you are not willing to take "I don't know" for an answer. Definitely push for the referrals. Maybe it is something harmless but you still need an answer nonetheless.

I hope you are able to get the answers that you are seeking soon. All my best to you and your daughter.

3 moms found this helpful

Maybe a circulatory problem?

Not saying this about her... but Diabetics... have circulatory problems... and they do also get swelling and/or pain and tingling... of the legs and feet... but also due to water retention as well.
My Dad was Diabetic...

She should see a Specialist... but as you said, the x-rays/MRI and ultrasound, show nothing.

Or has she possibly gotten bitten by an insect???? Spiders, ants, etc.
These also can leave some bad swelling... and especially is there is an allergic reaction to the sting....
it is not always obvious... if there is an insect bite. Many people get bitten and don't even know it, for example.
Oh sorry, you said she has had this for 3 months.

Just some ideas...

All the best,
Susan

2 moms found this helpful

Have your doctor make a referral to a large children's hospital. She does need a second opinion. A venous doppler of the leg to see if she has a clot does not always show it. She may need a venogram (like a ct scan with dye) . If the MRI did not include an injection of gadolinium to do an MRA (to look at viens) that may also be considered. Don't wait.

2 moms found this helpful

Hello,
There is definitely a time and place for all that you have done and it sounds like the time is up. I suggest you take her to an accupuncturist. They can help with just about any issue.
My father just went through very though time with a bout of vertigo. We visited doctors, ERs and specialists all to no avail. After about 3 weeks I finally got him in to see an accupuncturist friend of mine and he started feeling relief immediately. He relapsed but every time he went the effects lasted longer and longer. After a month of weekly treatments he was completely asymptomatic and has remained so!
You live pretty far from LA but if you want a recommendation I can give you one for Santa Monica. Alternative medicine is so popular now though, I'm sure a friend could recommend one too. Good luck to you and your daughter,
A.

1 mom found this helpful

I would be looking for a second opinion at this point. That is a long time to have swollen leg especially where the swelling is increasing.

Has anyone ruled out a cyst? Under the knee is a relatively common place for them to occur. I'm sure your Dr already checked it out, but perhaps you should ask. Also, if your doctor can not give you an accurate diagnosis please change doctors. I had to take my mom to 4 people until we got a diagnosis and resolution. Good luck!

google this supplement "Serrapeptase" this could get rid of the swelling..
sounds like there might be damage in there.. you can order it from vitacost.com but go through ebates then its cheaper..i bought some for around $13..i'm using it right now..i had a cyst on my ovary..a hard one that needed to be surgically removed..took serrapeptase for 3 weeks..its gone..the doc can't find the cyst..its good for a lot of things...and it may be worth a try..
perhaps take her to a gym and talk to some trainers..they may also know..a lot of the personal trainers at Equinox that i talk to are also trained in sports medicine and might know ..
or keep googling for answers??

good luck

xo

D.

I'd see an endocrinologist. Docs usually think along the lines of sports injury with stuff like that and don't always think of other non injury problems.

I'd get some more opinions. Sounds circulatory maybe.

Classical homeopathy will help. Find practitioner who is not the MD, DO, chiro, or TCM since this will require constitutional prescribing – time consuming, not something they can do during thin 30 min/patient.
Good Luck
V.

Our friend's son had something similar going on and after MONTHS of doctors, specialists, scans, labs, etc - she took him to her chiropractor who specializes in kids and is really good at adjusted, not jus the spine, but the legs, arms and even ears. He was fine after 2 adjustments.

I would try that, maybe acupuncture, massage, anything to get things aligned and gets the lymph/blood circulating.

Please keep trying new doctors until you get an answer. I had friends who went through something similiar and got a diagnosis at the 4th doctor. Sometimes you just need the right set of eyes. And with it spreading like that, I wouldn't give up. Best of luck!