At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, swelling in the feet and ankles is a common complaint, often attributed to heat, long days of standing, or systemic issues. But what if the swelling happens in just one foot?

This is a situation that requires immediate attention, as it often points to a problem within the foot itself, not a body-wide issue. Ignoring one-sided foot swelling can lead to severe, lasting complications, so read on to learn how you can avoid them!

One Foot vs. Two: Understanding the Difference

When both feet swell, it often suggests a systemic cause. Malfunctioning veins, heart conditions, kidney issues, or even certain medications can lead to fluid buildup in both lower extremities.

However, when swelling occurs in only one foot, it typically means something is wrong with that specific foot.
We take this symptom very seriously, as it can be a sign of two significant and time-sensitive conditions!

Potential Cause #1: Charcot Foot (A Major Diabetic Concern)

One of the most serious causes of non-painful, one-sided foot swelling is Charcot neuroarthropathy, or simply Charcot foot.

What is it? This condition, most commonly seen in people with diabetes, involves the weakening of the bones in the foot due to nerve damage (neuropathy). The bones can become so weak that they fracture and disintegrate, causing the joints to collapse.
The Danger: We’ve seen many collapsed arches from untreated Charcot foot. This leads to severe deformity, instability, and a very high risk of developing ulcers that can lead to infection and amputation.

Potential Cause #2: An Unrecognized Fracture

Swelling in one foot can also be a clear sign of a fracture (broken bone).

“I didn’t even injure it!”: While many fractures result from an obvious injury, they can also occur without one, especially “stress fractures” from overuse or in weakened bones. We’ve diagnosed many fractures in patients who had no memory of a specific injury.
The Danger: Walking around on an unrecognized fracture can worsen the break, misalign the bone fragments, and prolong the healing process.

Why Early, Accurate Diagnosis is Critical

At our office, we always take an X-ray when a patient presents with significant swelling. The sooner a condition like Charcot foot or a fracture is diagnosed, the better the outcome.

Ignoring the swelling risks turning a manageable condition into a life-altering one. There is no joint replacement for the midfoot, and we have seen many people become quite hobbled by advanced Charcot deformities. The key is to avoid getting to that point! At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!