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What Causes Swelling And Tightness In Calf And Ankle?

Posted on Wed, 14 Jan 2015

Question: Yesterday evening (during a night shift where I do a fair amount of sitting) I noticed that my calf had suddenly become very tight and swollen, along with same side hip discomfort and swelling of the same side ankle. It also happens to be the same leg where 3 years earlier I had fallen on my knee cap and apparently it had become frozen. This knee continues to give me grief, but this is the first time that leg has swollen. Any thoughts on what this could be?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Is it warm;blood clot needs to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.Keeping in mind your age and job (sitting) it is recommended to rule out blood clot in the leg by having color doppler study for blood vessel (blood flow).Is this warm also as compare to the right leg?
To help you better please tell me -
1.Do you smoke and take alcohol?
2.Any chronic disease like diabetes ?
Meanwhile you may do hot water fomentation and take advil along with Gentle exercises for leg.
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (19 minutes later)

The leg does not appear to be warmer than the other.

I have been a non-smoker for 7 years now - I did smoke for 40 years.

I rarely drink and if I do it is only one or 2 glasses of beer or wine.

No chronic disease - slightly elevated cholesterol but otherwise healthy.

I am overweight by 50 pounds.

What is hot water fomentation?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is must to have color doppler study

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
I have gone through your reply carefully and it is recommended to have color doppler to rule out blood clot.
You should take aspirin.To relax the tight muscles of leg,you may wrap a towel soak in lukewarm water around leg (hot water fomentation ).
Looking forward to your reply.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 minutes later)

Thank you I'm off to Emerg to see a doctor now

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
All the best

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Do revert back with reports.All the best and for all future queries do log into http://bit.ly/ drmchugh
Happy new year
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (17 hours later)

It was a cyst behind the knee which had burst. Nothing serious, thankfully.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank god

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I am happy to hear that,I am relieved.But please avoid constant sitting and do regular exercises.
Wishing you best of health and Happy new year
Take care

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

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (10 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Chugh. I have recently joined a gym and hopefully will get into shape and stay that way for life.
Best wishes for the New Year

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes,it's a good idea to join Gym but go slow and increase the activity on weekly basis. It was pleasure talking to you.
Regards
http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj