Podiatrist or primary care provider?
 

When at the podiatrist getting my nails cut I asked about the chronic slight swelling of my right ankle and toes. Without a question about the situation his immediate response was to follow up with my primary care doctor!

My reaction then and continues, maybe I have the wrong podiatrist.

I have not followed up with my primary.

Fortunately the swelling incidences are not significant (I don't think).

What is your experience with a similar situation?

If you are spending a lot of time sitting around, you may have a build up of fluid.
I would heed podiatrists advise, and speak with your doctor.
Better safe than sorry.

Speak to your pcp

I am GUESSING this might be something out of the podiatrist area of expertise and he suggested seeing PCP in case the swelling (etc) is due to something else. I agree with above see your PCP.

Precisely!

As a soon to be retired Podiatrist (with over 39 years in practice), listen to the DPM you saw.

CHRONIC swelling is not typically due to a foot problem, but a cardiac or circulatory problem. An ACUTE swelling (especially when combined with redness) is a different story. That could be gout, arthritis, or an infection, which I will certainly treat.

I'll typically suggest a pair of mild compression socks for maybe a month, but if that doesn't solve the problem, you may need a diuretic.

I am hesitant to start this type of medication regime, especially when the patient cannot remember all of his meds. Their PCP (or cardiologist) is much more familiar with your overall medical status and is the one who should be treating that type of CHRONIC condition.

Hope this helps.

I'm an internist/PCP and I approve of this message

You have a very good podiatrist and should listen to what they say.

Just reading your "chronic slight swelling of my right ankle and toes" makes me think: make that doctor call now! So many of us wait too long to deal with health issues. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to treat IMHO.

Get a different doctor
 

I went to a podiatrist for the same thing and she sent me for a Venus ultrasound. Turns out I have deep vein reflux.

IMO the Doc is doing his job. There are probably many reasons for the ankle issue. One is venous insufficiency. There are vein specialists that can determine if you have a worry. Not a big deal.

I totally agree with most of the comments here! Call your primary asap! When I get yearly physicals, a main question is always, is there any swelling in your legs ankles or feet!!! There’s too many possible causes and none are good. Do NOT ignore this! The podiatrist was correct to refer you.

You will get better advice from your Podiatrist and PCP than random people on Social Media.

You have gotten good advise from two medical pros above.

I don't have a similar experience, but I do have experiences where the doctor fails to adequately communicate their advice. Did you ask the podiatrist to explain WHY he wants you to see your PCP? If you're not comfortable with his communication with you, then yes, you should find a different doctor. But remember, communication goes both ways. I would have simply asked, "does it look like an infection? or more of a systemic or circulatory problem? what do you think, Doc?" If again the podiatrist tells you to ask those questions to your PCP, I'd do so, but also find a new podiatrist since he wasn't even willing to rule out a foot problem.

Issues with feet/ankles are associated with many serious conditions especially Diabetes. You should see your PCP.