Foot Problem cause Leg Problems?

To start off, I do have some minor arthritis in my left knee but it hasn't been too much of an issue.  I have had problems with my left foot for years, popping feeling, plantar fasciitis , etc.  I have been having problems with my left leg between the knee and foot lately.  I have had several xrays and an MRI and Doctor says it is just swollen from over use and to stay off it a week.   I did one week of no running but pain didn't go away.  Just walking aggravated it. I did do some biking, spinning and swimming though.  Went back to the doctor, he says stay off another week completely and RICE.  So I stayed off as much as I could and did RICE for two weeks.  Still not getting better.  Asked the doctor if my foot problems could be causing the leg problem.  He asked if my foot hurt and I said no so he doesn't think that is it. I recently got a new pair of running shoes prior to the onset of the pain but logged several five mile runs before it getting aggravated.  Shoes do seem to make a difference.  If I wear my old running shoes it doesn't hurt as bad as when I try to wear my new running shoes.  But even my work shoes and boots aggravate it and I have worn those for years.  Pain starts about 2-3 inches below the knee on the inside at a point.  Then rapidly progresses down the leg and ankle with lots of swelling.  Then I can hardly walk on it.  It all started fairly suddenly while on a run.  Could barely finish it.  I haven't ran in two months and seems to be getting better, very slowly.  Do I just need to be more patient or should I push to have the foot looked at?