What Causes Swollen Painful Leg With No Injury?

Posted on Tue, 13 May 2014

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

Wed, 14 May 2014 Answered on

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : red, swollen leg/foot up 3/4 to knee w/pain and heat. patient has afib, stent august 20013, currently taking Plavix, Coumadin and low dose aspirin daily. no evidence of injury...could this be a blood clot? what can/should we be done?

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Could be a deep vein thrombosis

Detailed Answer:
hi thanks for your question.

there are a number of possibilities to explain your symptoms.

you could have an infection in your leg. a cellulitis. this would require antibiotic treatment.

you could have a deep vein thrombosis or a clot in your leg. this diagnosis an only be made on an ultrasound of the veins in your leg. you are on anticoagulant medication although your clotting / INR may not be sufficient to prevent a clot.

you could have inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) in your leg. the treatment for this is antiinflammatory medication.

I would seek a further personal medical opinion on a fairly urgent basis.

I hope this answers your question.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (48 minutes later)

had cellulitus on neck two years ago and this is not reacting in the same manner; also on Celebrex for arthritis. will contact regular Dr in AM since there has been little to no change in past 4 hours. thank you for the response.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
my pleasure I hope you find an answer soon.

Detailed Answer:
I hope you find an answer to your problem and appropriate treatment with relief of your symptoms soon.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad