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What Causes Swelling In Lower Left Leg?
Question: Hi, I just returned from a long-haul return flight and have swelling in my lower left leg. I left on Friday and noticed swelling after I landed, which persisted all weekend. No pain as such, just a swollen calf. When I flew back on Monday, same thing, a swollen lower left leg, this time with a bruise on my inside left ankle, just below the ankle bone. Again, no pain. I have experienced foot swelling while flying before, but no leg swelling. I also injured my lower left leg a few days before flying, when I banged my mid-shin quite hard against a XXXXXXX ledge. I am on a prescription for Celexa (citalopram), and I had also been taking fish oil supplements, as well as B12. I was probably somewhat dehydrated over the weekend. I have no other physical health issues. Of course, now I'm panicking over DVT.
Brief Answer:
Looks DVT, need tests for confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your medical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. The swelling appears to be secondary to DVT
2. The banging of shin would not cause swelling unless it was a open wound with infection. Associated with long flight hours and reduced movement, DVT looks more possible
3. The earlier thrombus during the initial flight might have got dislodged or lysed or dissolved.
4. DVT can present with superficial bruises due to thrombophlebitis. You will require an venous ultrasonography or contrast venography for confirmation. Meet your doctor to get these tests done.
5. Watch out for any symptoms of breathlessness, as if there are multiple thrombus, it can lead to pulmonary embolism. Do get a confirmation at earliest, so appropriate treatment (Thrombolytics) is taken and complication is prevented.
Do get the tests done. As you are at a possible risk of thrombus, you need to be on oral anti-coagulants. You can take a prescription from your doctor.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Looks DVT, need tests for confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your medical history and query, my opinion is as follows:
1. The swelling appears to be secondary to DVT
2. The banging of shin would not cause swelling unless it was a open wound with infection. Associated with long flight hours and reduced movement, DVT looks more possible
3. The earlier thrombus during the initial flight might have got dislodged or lysed or dissolved.
4. DVT can present with superficial bruises due to thrombophlebitis. You will require an venous ultrasonography or contrast venography for confirmation. Meet your doctor to get these tests done.
5. Watch out for any symptoms of breathlessness, as if there are multiple thrombus, it can lead to pulmonary embolism. Do get a confirmation at earliest, so appropriate treatment (Thrombolytics) is taken and complication is prevented.
Do get the tests done. As you are at a possible risk of thrombus, you need to be on oral anti-coagulants. You can take a prescription from your doctor.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Another point I forgot to mention. Just over a year ago I was stricken with what by all accounts appeared to be mono. Although apparently rare in someone my age, all the tests pointed toward that diagnosis. I was given the full viral serology, and everything else came back negative - HIV, all the heps, etc. The only other inconclusive indicator was for cytomegalovirus. As well, I had an inflamed spleen and liver. I was very slightly jaundiced, and my liver counts were sky high. I also had a bladder infection (seemingly coincidental). For the record, I was under the care of a very competent doctor (GP) who took a decided interest in my case as it is relatively rare in my demographic. Everything cleared up in about a month/six weeks or so, but I'm wondering if any lingering effects could contribute to my present situation.
And yes, I'll be seeing a doctor tomorrow morning.
And yes, I'll be seeing a doctor tomorrow morning.
Brief Answer:
Previous conditions, not contributing to present
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
The previous history of mono or CMV or bladder infection and liver problems are not related to the present DVT.
The present problems is due to prolonged immobility period leading to blood stagnation and thrombus formation. If it were due to infection (like previous history), it would XXXXXXX been seen at multiple locations and not limited to only one side of leg with repeat episodes.
Liver problems would have caused bleeding episodes rather than thrombus (clotting) episodes.
Do meet your doctor.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Previous conditions, not contributing to present
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
The previous history of mono or CMV or bladder infection and liver problems are not related to the present DVT.
The present problems is due to prolonged immobility period leading to blood stagnation and thrombus formation. If it were due to infection (like previous history), it would XXXXXXX been seen at multiple locations and not limited to only one side of leg with repeat episodes.
Liver problems would have caused bleeding episodes rather than thrombus (clotting) episodes.
Do meet your doctor.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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