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Suggest Treatment For Painful Discomfort Behind Leg Along With Slight Swelling
Question: Hi the back of my leg has been giving me some pain/discomfort for a few days now. The area is a little swollen but is hot all the time. I have taken some anti-inflamitries to ease the pain, but its still very uncomfortable
Brief Answer:
immediate medical attention is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a swollen and hot leg requires immediate medical attention because some of the following serious (or less serious but important) medical conditions may apply:
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT) : this is one of the most serious ones. A clot in the deeper veins of the leg may dislodge and occlude the pulmonary arteries causing pulmonary embolism. An ultrasound scan of the leg veins (triplex) is the right test to confirm or exclude it.
- erysipelas/cellulitis : this is an infection. The different names represent a different extent and sometimes different etiology. Clinical examination is sufficient (usually) to diagnose this condition. Fever is a prominent sign in most cases.
- superficial vein thrombosis : this is a less serious condition, although sometimes the clot may extend to the deeper veins. Usually only NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used.
- other local inflammation/infection: like Baker's cyst on the back of the knee. The investigation and treatment depends on the condition.
So in conclusion, an urgent medical assessment is required. Your doctor should exclude all the above conditions or confirm them and provide appropriate treatment.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
immediate medical attention is needed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
a swollen and hot leg requires immediate medical attention because some of the following serious (or less serious but important) medical conditions may apply:
- deep vein thrombosis (DVT) : this is one of the most serious ones. A clot in the deeper veins of the leg may dislodge and occlude the pulmonary arteries causing pulmonary embolism. An ultrasound scan of the leg veins (triplex) is the right test to confirm or exclude it.
- erysipelas/cellulitis : this is an infection. The different names represent a different extent and sometimes different etiology. Clinical examination is sufficient (usually) to diagnose this condition. Fever is a prominent sign in most cases.
- superficial vein thrombosis : this is a less serious condition, although sometimes the clot may extend to the deeper veins. Usually only NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used.
- other local inflammation/infection: like Baker's cyst on the back of the knee. The investigation and treatment depends on the condition.
So in conclusion, an urgent medical assessment is required. Your doctor should exclude all the above conditions or confirm them and provide appropriate treatment.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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