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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In The Right Leg?

I broke my femur 4 months ago, had surgery where two rods were inserted, have been healing well, but now have a swollen right leg, primarily from the knee down on the leg where I had the surgery. There is slight discoloration on my ankle down to my foot, but the moderate pain is in the back of the calf. I had a DVT after arthroscopic knee surgery 12 years ago. I noticed the swelling after spending about 10 hours on a bus with stops and periods of walking last Wednesday. I m wondering if I should wait until after the holiday weekend to consult my surgeon or go to the ER. I am 67 years old and very active.
posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
Twitter Thu, 20 Jul 2017 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 20 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
.Hi and welcome.
Blood clots that form in the veins of the legs can stop the return flow of blood from the legs back up to the heart and cause swelling in the ankles and feet. Blood clots can be either superficial (occurring in the veins just beneath the skin), or deep (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis). Deep clots can block one or more of the major veins of the legs. These blood clots can be life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the heart and lungs. If you have swelling in one leg, along with pain, low-grade fever, and possibly a change in color of the affected leg, call your doctor immediately. Treatment with blood thinners may be necessary.
WIsh you good health.
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What Causes Swelling In The Right Leg?

.Hi and welcome. Blood clots that form in the veins of the legs can stop the return flow of blood from the legs back up to the heart and cause swelling in the ankles and feet. Blood clots can be either superficial (occurring in the veins just beneath the skin), or deep (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis). Deep clots can block one or more of the major veins of the legs. These blood clots can be life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the heart and lungs. If you have swelling in one leg, along with pain, low-grade fever, and possibly a change in color of the affected leg, call your doctor immediately. Treatment with blood thinners may be necessary. WIsh you good health.