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How Can Swollen Lower Calves Be Treated?
Question: For the past 7-10 days, Both lower calves have been swollen, red, and very itchy;sore. What can I do beside elevate them. I've been drinking lots of water and lowering my salt intake.
Brief Answer:
Need to rule out cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Swollen, red, itchy and sore calves are concerning for possible cellulitis. Cellulitis is the infection and inflammation of the skin. Older individuals, especially who have diabetes are at increased risk.
Treatment is with antibiotics. Clinical examination and blood culture can confirm the diagnosis.
It is also best to get doppler scan of lower legs done to rule out Deep vein thrombosis which can mo=imic similar symptoms.
Both DVT and cellulitis require early initiation of treatment to avoid complications. So please be advised to follow up with the urgent care/ emergency room as soon as possible.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
Need to rule out cellulitis
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Swollen, red, itchy and sore calves are concerning for possible cellulitis. Cellulitis is the infection and inflammation of the skin. Older individuals, especially who have diabetes are at increased risk.
Treatment is with antibiotics. Clinical examination and blood culture can confirm the diagnosis.
It is also best to get doppler scan of lower legs done to rule out Deep vein thrombosis which can mo=imic similar symptoms.
Both DVT and cellulitis require early initiation of treatment to avoid complications. So please be advised to follow up with the urgent care/ emergency room as soon as possible.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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