What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Lateral Mid Calf Area?

Posted on Sun, 20 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 Answered on

Thu, 26 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband has a localized area of swelling about 2 " in length and width, in his lateral mid calf area, which is painful to touch, no trauma that is remembered, no bruising. We have been traveling for about 40 hours by aircraft in the last 2 days. He forgot to use his elastic socks and I am concerned about a possible DVT. No other swelling is apparent in his leg.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible thrombophlebitis

Detailed Answer:
hi and welcome.

considering your symptoms,this is more likely to be superficial thrombophlebitis which means that small vein under the skin is inflamed and trombosized. this is benign condition and in this case you should avoid long sitting or laying, apply cold compresses,apply heparin gel 2 times daily for 5 days and wear elastic socks for 5 days.

however,deep vein thrombosis can't be ruled out for sure and if you have some concerns or risk factors such as obesity and hormonal replacement therapy ,you should check ddimers in blood and do Doppler ultrasound.

Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar