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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Soreness, Swelling And Inflammation Below The Knee?

I have a sore swollen, red area on the upper part of my left tibia just a few inches below my knee. It began on Friday and has been getting worse and the swollen, red area expanding. About a year ago I had something similar on my left ankle. The doctor had no clue what it was an said it looked like a contusion to her. It lasted several days at that time; I wore a pressure bandage overnight and it cleared up on its own. I have no idea if these two things are related. I do not have a fever, am not taking any medication and am not overweight. I am a 64 year old female with no known health problems.
Tue, 23 Oct 2018
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Yes, it may be deep vein thrombosis or so called DVT although this is not very likely. I mean that clot is formed inside the big leg vessel. So you need to do a Doppler ultrasound to rule this. Vein thrombosis, which are manifested with unilateral swelling of the leg, pain in calves and lividity of the skin. Some conditions such as pregnancy, obesity and recent surgery may increase the risk of it.

This may be serious if a blood clot travels to the heart and lungs so it should be ruled out as soon as possible and then appropriate treatment can be started. In most cases it includes strict resting heparin infusions and aspirin. More invasive procedures are rarely required.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein,
General Surgeon
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What Causes Soreness, Swelling And Inflammation Below The Knee?

Hi, Yes, it may be deep vein thrombosis or so called DVT although this is not very likely. I mean that clot is formed inside the big leg vessel. So you need to do a Doppler ultrasound to rule this. Vein thrombosis, which are manifested with unilateral swelling of the leg, pain in calves and lividity of the skin. Some conditions such as pregnancy, obesity and recent surgery may increase the risk of it. This may be serious if a blood clot travels to the heart and lungs so it should be ruled out as soon as possible and then appropriate treatment can be started. In most cases it includes strict resting heparin infusions and aspirin. More invasive procedures are rarely required. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon