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What Causes Redness And Swelling On Calf Area?
Question: My left calf is extremely swollen and red. Dr. said I have enlarged lymph nodes in my groin area. Just gave me an antibiotic.I don't understand the lymph node thing, I thought they were teeny tiny and he just didn't explain it to me. he did an ultrasound to make sure the isn't a bloodclot. I have previously had a stint put in that groin area and the test proved it to be open. I read this is connected to HIV . I don't know how I could have been connected with that. Do you have any ideas what this is? I am not particularly asking about HIV, I am asking if you know any CAUSE of the leg being swollen and red when the stint has been found to be open. I just put the HIV in there to see if it could be a cause, guess not. Do you know what could be causing my swelling?Thanks!! XXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Infection causes the swelling of both the calf and the lymph nodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
I have read and understood your problems.
To recapitulate: Female / 55 - left calf swollen and red - Enlarged lymph nodes in groin - ultrasonography says no blood clot - stent tests proved it open - wants to know connection to HIV and cause of swelling -
First of all the good news is that this swelling in the calf is not connected to the deep vein thrombosis. Secondly, this is not connected to HIV.
The swelling and redness in the left calf must be due to infection under the skin. This infection travels to the groin lymph nodes by lymph vessels to cause their swelling. This is natural way of infection being trapped by the lymph nodes where that particular area is draining.
It looks that there might have been some skin scratching or a boil in the swollen area of the calf that has become infected and spread due to bacterial infection.
I would advise you the following:
Continue with Broad spectrum antibiotic along with anti-inflammatory medicines, which I am sure your Doctor must have started.
Take rest.
Elevate the affected limb above the heart level in laying down position to reduce the edema.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications if you feel there is a gap of communication.
Infection causes the swelling of both the calf and the lymph nodes
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
I have read and understood your problems.
To recapitulate: Female / 55 - left calf swollen and red - Enlarged lymph nodes in groin - ultrasonography says no blood clot - stent tests proved it open - wants to know connection to HIV and cause of swelling -
First of all the good news is that this swelling in the calf is not connected to the deep vein thrombosis. Secondly, this is not connected to HIV.
The swelling and redness in the left calf must be due to infection under the skin. This infection travels to the groin lymph nodes by lymph vessels to cause their swelling. This is natural way of infection being trapped by the lymph nodes where that particular area is draining.
It looks that there might have been some skin scratching or a boil in the swollen area of the calf that has become infected and spread due to bacterial infection.
I would advise you the following:
Continue with Broad spectrum antibiotic along with anti-inflammatory medicines, which I am sure your Doctor must have started.
Take rest.
Elevate the affected limb above the heart level in laying down position to reduce the edema.
I hope this answer helps you to get a proper diagnosis, and get a proper further treatment. Please feel free to ask for more or if you need further clarifications if you feel there is a gap of communication.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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