Why Do I Have Swelling And Redness In Only One Foot And Leg Up Until The Knee?

Brief Answer:
Detailed answer and explanations given below

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Redness and swelling of one leg might be due to few major causes:
- Skin infection called cellulitis or erizipella. Generally this develops within a couple of days and is progressive and may cause swelling, redness, a lot of pain in the leg and also fever. This would require urgent antibiotics to have the infection under control.
- Deep vein thrombosis. Differentiation between deep vein thrombosis and the infection mentioned above is very difficult clinically but having a dopler ultrasound is needed for better diagnosis and having the right treatment.
- If you have a skin wound other then the redness and the swelling and it has been there for long time (more than a few weeks) then very likely you have it due to deficiency in circulation (veins or arteries not functioning well) and in this case your cardiologist may help or if you wish you can look for a consultation with an angiologist as well. treatment in this case consists of elevation, compression therapy, Pentoxifylline and aspirin 300 mg a day (your doctor needs to evaluate you before deciding to start them)

To conclude I would say:
- If you have just redness and swelling without ulcers (wound) and it has been so for a short time (less then a few weeks), very likely it would be good to have a doppler ultrasound of the leg to make sure there is no deep vein thrombosis
- If the veins are not blocked and there is no thrombosis then antibiotics would be a good choice if the foot is swollen, red and painful.
- If you have an ulcer in the leg that has been there for weeks then very likely you have ulcers from venous deficiency and in this case a cardiologist or an angiologist can help with the treatment as explained above

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

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Brief Answer:
It is best to start with your GP (general physician)

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Thank you for the extra information provided. It seems that there are mixed factors that can contribute to your leg condition and my advise would be for you to see your GP first (your local doctor).

He will be able after examining you to know which doctor you will need to access and how to access him and is generally the first step in the medical system especially in cases that are complicated or may have several conditions affecting him.

I hope this has addressed your question but please let me know if i can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

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