[30F] With sudden onset right foot pain, swelling, and redness

What might be happening

Based on the information you’ve provided, there are a few potential explanations for your symptoms:

1. Cellulitis: This is a bacterial skin infection that can cause redness, swelling, and pain. It often occurs suddenly and can make the affected area feel warm or cold. Given the sudden onset of your symptoms and the redness and swelling, this could be a possibility. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, and changes in skin color. Given your symptoms of swelling, pain, and the foot feeling colder, this is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. DVT can lead to complications like a pulmonary embolism if not treated.

3. Gout: This is a form of arthritis that can cause sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the joints. Although you mentioned arthritis in your left knee, gout can affect other joints, including the foot. Treatment often involves medications to reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition involves narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to your limbs, which can cause pain, swelling, and changes in skin temperature. Given your symptoms and the fact that your foot feels colder, this could be a possibility. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes surgical procedures.

What you can do

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the potential seriousness of conditions like cellulitis, DVT, and PAD, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Visit an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible. If you are unable to get there yourself, please call 911 or have someone drive you.

2. Avoid Standing or Walking on the Affected Foot: Until you receive medical advice, try to keep weight off your foot to avoid worsening the condition.

3. Elevate Your Foot: Elevating your foot can help reduce swelling. Try to keep it raised above the level of your heart when sitting or lying down.

4. Monitor for Additional Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any new symptoms such as increased pain, spreading redness, fever, or shortness of breath, and report these to a healthcare professional immediately.

5. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Drink plenty of fluids and get rest while you wait to see a healthcare provider.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and it is essential to get a formal diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional. Your symptoms could indicate a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.