My mother's right leg/ foot is swollen and it is very painful for her (2.5 months). She has visited her regular doctor numerous times and was only given a heavy leg brace and told to elevate her foot. However, no answers were provided to what possibly could be wrong. They apparently gave her some type of blood test a month in a half ago. She called in regarding the blood work and haven't received a response (horrible hospital...HMO). She is 49 years old--really pretty healthy up until now.

1. What could possibly be wrong?

2. What type of specialists should she see: gastroenterologist, hepatologist, podiatrist, rheumatologist?

3. What is the best way to get her doctor to refer her to a specialist?