Swelling of foot and ankle

Dear Ask The Doctor: My left foot and ankle swell during the spring and summer months. Only my left one. I used to weight 250 lbs. and thought once I lost weight it would stop. But here I am now 160 lbs. and the one foot/ankle still swells. It's not hot here yet - only in the high 50's, low 60's so it's not the heat. I've tried to reduce my salt intake but nothing. I've had this for years. It's swollen when I wake up in the morning so it's hard to get my shoe on. But, it doesn't happen all the time. What is the cause?

Dear Kat: According to the description of the events, this might be most likely some infectious, degenerative osteoarticular or metabolic problem, in the view that you do not have any history of trauma on the area. I strongly recommend that you get a thoroughly clinical and lab evaluation by your PCP to rule out possible infectious, degenerative (osteoarthritis) and metabolic causes. Also keep in mind that it is a very well known fact that the sustained overweight and lack of exercise can cause problems in the weight bearing joints like Hips, Knees, and Ankles.