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What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Lower Leg?
My husband has pain and swelling in in lower leg, just below the knee. The site is painful and is hard when touched, localized to the upper calf area. He also has white surface lesions. His foot does not have any pain or tingling and is warm. He had three AAAs that were repaired 18 months ago but the swelling is new this week. The surgeon had difficulty with the iliac aorta to the leg in which he is experiencing difficulty. He visited his GP on Friday but he was not concerned and was going to refer him to Univeristy of Iowa hospitals--not set up yet. Can this wait until the U of I appointment or should he seek immediate medical attention?
Thu, 6 Jun 2019
Hi,
Well, there are several possible causes. This may be a beginning of leg cellulitis which is inflammation of subcutaneous tissues and may develop into diabetic foot or even diabetic gangrene so any swelling, redness or pain in legs in someone who has diabetes should be evaluated by medical professionals since antibiotics may have to be started as soon as possible to prevent spreading of infection.
He should do at least basic blood tests and blood sugar to see if there is a significant infection or not. Other causes include deep vein thrombosis or lymphedema and these should be checked with an ultrasound exam.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
Well, there are several possible causes. This may be a beginning of leg cellulitis which is inflammation of subcutaneous tissues and may develop into diabetic foot or even diabetic gangrene so any swelling, redness or pain in legs in someone who has diabetes should be evaluated by medical professionals since antibiotics may have to be started as soon as possible to prevent spreading of infection.
He should do at least basic blood tests and blood sugar to see if there is a significant infection or not. Other causes include deep vein thrombosis or lymphedema and these should be checked with an ultrasound exam.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein, General Surgeon
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