What Causes Painful Swollen Hard Leg After Heart Stroke?

Posted on Thu, 10 Apr 2014

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

Thu, 10 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my life partner had a stroke on left side in Nov 2013 he has improve since then but his left leg is swollen so big and it is extreme hard and he states that it is painful. He had an ultra sound down on it to make sure no clots but is there any long term damage that can result in the leg being swollen so long and are there any things that I can do to help to reduce the swelling.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Limb elevation will be helpful Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Its quite common to see swelling in the side of paralytic limb. It occurs due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Getting doppler scan is essential to rule out deep venous thrombosis. If it had been ruled out then there seems to be no cause for concern. I would suggest you to following 1. Massage: 2 - 3 times a day, Using coconut or olive oil. Direction of massage is from distal to proximal that is from feet towards thighs. 2. Hot water fomentation after the massage 3. Active and passive movements of the joints 4. Wearing graded compression elastic stockings 5. Elevation of limbs by placing the leg over pillow, it will help in venous return and decrease the oedema. Rest be assured he will definitely respond. Take Care Best Regards Dr T Shobha Deepak MBBS,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar