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What Causes Hard Varicose Vein After A Calf Injury?
Posted on
Sun, 14 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 14 Sep 2014
Answered on
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I was playing tennis last Wednesday and got hit on the inside of my right calf with a tennis ball. It immediately stung & the immediate area felt hard. I have some large varicose veins that it hit & they feel hard too. I then developed a large bruise. I noticed yesterday that the bruise has travelled down to my ankle/side of foot. The calf does not hurt but the varicose veins still feel hard. Do I need to be concerned and am I at risk of a blood clot?
Brief Answer:
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Yes, you are at risk of blood clot. Varicose veins and injury increase the risk of veins thrombosis. Hardness of the vein sounds like a blood clot inside.
According to your symptoms (painless calf) most likely the thrombosis is only in superficial veins what is not a very serious issue. But deep veins thrombosis should be ruled out at this point.
That is why I suggest you to consult a surgeon and have Dopplers ultrasound done.
In case of superficial veins thrombosis you need heparine injections in prophylactic dosage. In case of deep veins thrombosis heparine should be given in much higher dosage.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Yes.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Yes, you are at risk of blood clot. Varicose veins and injury increase the risk of veins thrombosis. Hardness of the vein sounds like a blood clot inside.
According to your symptoms (painless calf) most likely the thrombosis is only in superficial veins what is not a very serious issue. But deep veins thrombosis should be ruled out at this point.
That is why I suggest you to consult a surgeon and have Dopplers ultrasound done.
In case of superficial veins thrombosis you need heparine injections in prophylactic dosage. In case of deep veins thrombosis heparine should be given in much higher dosage.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Should I do this immediately as in going to an emergency room?
Brief Answer:
.
Detailed Answer:
As it was last Wednesday it was urgent on that time. As nothing wrong has happened through all this days, possible blood clots in the veins are stable and the risk of any complications is very low. That is why, if you do not have any shortness of breath, calf is soft and painless, the veins hardness is not getting worse, you may wait a day to see your regular doctor and ER visit is not necessary.
.
Detailed Answer:
As it was last Wednesday it was urgent on that time. As nothing wrong has happened through all this days, possible blood clots in the veins are stable and the risk of any complications is very low. That is why, if you do not have any shortness of breath, calf is soft and painless, the veins hardness is not getting worse, you may wait a day to see your regular doctor and ER visit is not necessary.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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