Why Does Heavy Lifting Cause Severe Swelling And Pain In The Legs?

Posted on Fri, 13 Apr 2018

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

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 4 Oct 2019 Last reviewed on

Question : Heavy lifting causes severe swelling and pain in legs. Sometimes the swelling moves up to my abdomen. Has been a problem for the past year, have moved my daughter and myself. Finally made the correlation between the two. Is getting worse. All new shoes, now they are getting too tight. Feels like my calf is going to explode. Pressure so bad, worse as day progresses. Pain travels up inner thigh to groin area. Waist down is swollen and bloated. Get chilled easily. Have been fatigued more than usual. Doctors questioning my symptoms?.

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please refer to the detailed answer below

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

After going through the medical details provided by you I understand your concern and would like to tell you that as you have a history of DVT so the leg swelling is most likely because of that. You should consult a vascular surgeon and can discuss with him regarding the option of RFA for treatment of your varicose veins.

The other possibility of getting leg swelling is reduced heart function and to confirm that you need to get an echocardiography done by a cardiologist

I hope this information will guide you properly

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhanu Partap (4 days later)

What would be the best diagnostic test to determine if varicose veins are the cause of my problem. i.e. X-rays , ultrasound etc. and what is the best possible treatment with the least chance of allergic reaction to treatment? Heard foam treatment has numerous complications and allergic reactions. Thank you for your time regarding this matter. Has been a year of trying to convince doctors that there is a problem and it is getting worse. Can not wear shoes I just purchased last summer and fall. Thanx again. Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhanu Partap (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hello again

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

To confirm the diagnosis of DVT you can go for lower limb venous Doppler, it’s basicall ultrasound of veins of the legs.

If that comes normal then I suggest you to get an echocardiogram of your heart done to rule of cardiac cause of swelling of legs.

Kind Regards
Dr Bhanu Partap

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad