80 Year Old Woman's Simple Foot Swelling Hides a Sinister Truth

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am an 80-year-old obese woman with high blood pressure that is being controlled with nifedipine and losartan. Over a year ago, I noticed that my small toe on my left foot was becoming numb, and my left foot and ankle were swollen by the middle of the day. I told my primary care doctor, who did an examination and ran some tests, including blood work and a leg ultrasound.

After ruling out other conditions such as a blood clot or nerve damage, my doctor concluded that I likely had chronic venous disease. This condition occurs when the valves in the veins of the legs do not function properly, causing blood to pool in the legs and ankles.

As I read more about chronic venous disease, I realized that it was more common than I thought. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, approximately 40% of people in the United States have some form of venous disease, and it affects both men and women.

Chronic venous disease can cause a range of symptoms, including swelling, pain, and numbness in the legs and ankles. In severe cases, it can lead to skin ulcers and infections. The symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and elevating the legs.

My doctor recommended that I wear compression stockings to help alleviate my symptoms. Compression stockings are tightest at the ankle and gradually become looser as they go up the leg, which helps to push blood upwards towards the heart.

I was skeptical at first, but I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, the compression stockings made a big difference. My legs and ankles no longer swell by the middle of the day, and the numbness in my toe has disappeared.

While I am relieved that I have found a solution to my symptoms, I am also concerned about the long-term implications of chronic venous disease. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

Therefore, I urge everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous disease. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in preventing severe complications.