What Causes Severe Pain And Vein Engorgement In The Leg?

Posted on Sun, 29 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 29 Jan 2017 Answered on

Thu, 16 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : On last mon I had a turp. On sat morn I woke up w severe pain in L leg just belo knee. Seemed like a charly horse, except there was no cause, no trauma, no special exercise. Then I noticed venous engorgement . No redness, no heat, no swelling. I thought blood clot. Went to the e.r. Venous engorgement was gone. Ultrasound shows no clot. They sent me home.
Today, pain persists . Again, venous engorgement. There is no pain when massaged. I remain suspicious of a clot which ultra sound failed to detect.
Background: Last February I was in hospital 2 weeks w pneumonia. In April I suffered a massive p.e. I was on xarelto til nov one.
What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
possibilities of thrombophlebitis... clinical examination...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

DVT classically produces swelling with pain and redness. If the pain doesn't evolve and you don't develop swelling and redness, in my opinion this isn't DVT. Moreover you have had scans which ruled out DVT.

However as you noticed vein engorgement, I would still consider the possibility of superficial vein clots / inflammation - thrombophlebitis. Talk to your doctor about this. I will also talk about starting pain medication and heparin for a few days if surgeon's are ok.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D