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Can Deep Vein Thrombosis Cause Swelling And Pain In The Lower Legs?
Question: I am having pain and swelling in my lower left leg. The back of the left calf is where the pain is nd the swelling is in the ankle area. I have been using ice and elevation,they relieve the symptoms, but the pain and swelling come back when I am up and about.
BP is 120/80, no meds. I stretch the area daily.
BP is 120/80, no meds. I stretch the area daily.
Brief Answer:
May be a DVT
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
What you are describing may be a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a blood clot in a deep vein.
The most common site for this to happen is in the calf. It typically causes swelling below the level of the clot because blood can't return through that deep vein because it is blocked.
A DVT needs to be evaluated quickly because there can be risks of the clot breaking off and going to other places that can cause serious trouble.
So, I recommend that you go into the ER NOW to have it evaluated. There, they will usually do a doppler test to see if there is a clot.
It's also possible that it's superficial phlebitis (inflammation of a superficial vein) which is not a serious problem, just painful, but a deep vein clot must be ruled out.
So please go in to a well equipped hospital ER (one that is associated with a radiology department) and don't wait.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
May be a DVT
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
What you are describing may be a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a blood clot in a deep vein.
The most common site for this to happen is in the calf. It typically causes swelling below the level of the clot because blood can't return through that deep vein because it is blocked.
A DVT needs to be evaluated quickly because there can be risks of the clot breaking off and going to other places that can cause serious trouble.
So, I recommend that you go into the ER NOW to have it evaluated. There, they will usually do a doppler test to see if there is a clot.
It's also possible that it's superficial phlebitis (inflammation of a superficial vein) which is not a serious problem, just painful, but a deep vein clot must be ruled out.
So please go in to a well equipped hospital ER (one that is associated with a radiology department) and don't wait.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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