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What Causes Severe Cramp In Upper Calf?
Question: Last week, I went to the emergency room with a very severe cramp in my upper left calf, just below the knee on the back of the leg. Ultrasound revealed no deep vein thrombosis. The muscle strain and cramping has eased, but now I have considerable pain and tightness in the lower calf, along the medial side of the left leg. I suspect this is related to the cramp, but I also have some skin redness. A bit of walking seems to relieve the pain somewhat. Should I be worried about cellulitis? Or should I just self treat with ice and ibuprofen? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
It may be Cellulitis so visit a General Surgeon as soon as possible.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to H.C.M.
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
It is good that you already done Ultrasound and no deep vein thrombosis is seen.
The considerable pain , tightness in the lower calf and skin redness are in favour of Cellulitis.
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the tissues just below the skin surface and the leg is the most common site
Whenever i suspect cellulitis, admit my patient for proper management including I.V antibiotics.
In your case also. I advise you to visit General Surgeon as soon as possible to rule out cellulitis.
Also follow these advise till you reach to your doctor -
1) Till then Elevating (raising) the leg to help prevent excess swelling, which may also ease pain.
2) Do not take Ibuprofen until your doctor advised it after its physical examination.
3) Take Paracetamol 650 mg for pain.
Hope this answers your question.
Please do not hesitate for any query.
I will be happy to answer your questions.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-krishna-dubey/67560
It may be Cellulitis so visit a General Surgeon as soon as possible.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome to H.C.M.
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
It is good that you already done Ultrasound and no deep vein thrombosis is seen.
The considerable pain , tightness in the lower calf and skin redness are in favour of Cellulitis.
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the tissues just below the skin surface and the leg is the most common site
Whenever i suspect cellulitis, admit my patient for proper management including I.V antibiotics.
In your case also. I advise you to visit General Surgeon as soon as possible to rule out cellulitis.
Also follow these advise till you reach to your doctor -
1) Till then Elevating (raising) the leg to help prevent excess swelling, which may also ease pain.
2) Do not take Ibuprofen until your doctor advised it after its physical examination.
3) Take Paracetamol 650 mg for pain.
Hope this answers your question.
Please do not hesitate for any query.
I will be happy to answer your questions.
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-krishna-dubey/67560
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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