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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling And Redness In Legs?

Hello Docs,My aunt is a little over 70 and has recently started swelling from her left ankle to right below the knee, it s red and blotchy and has heat pouring off it. Her right leg is slightly swollen but no redness or heat. Just by what I ve learned through pre-med school I was initially thinking cellulitis or a type of heart failure. Would this be correct? If not please let me know what you think and a possible best course action to take for her. Again this is much appreciated, and god bless.Sincerely,Nicholas Bungart - Eldon,Mo.
Thu, 27 Aug 2015
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Welcome to healthcaremagic.com. Good day, the symptoms and physical finding would point towards heart failure, but the heat from the legs/swelling goes against this, it could be a contributing factor however. I would worry about a blood clot in her leg.
1. I would have heart failure ruled out, does she have shortness of breath, how many pillows doe she sleep with, how far can she walk and when did these changes occur. If there are positives and difficulties to exertion she probably also has heart failure.
2. For the blood clot hypothesis, does her calf hurt, did she recently have an injury, did she have a long travel by plane or car ride, does she have a rapid heart rate.
3. Peripheral Vascular Disease can manifest this was, she would have the blotchy skin findings, varicose veins.

I would have her see her regular physician as there are specific physical exam maneuvers that will nail the diagnosis.

Good luck in your medical career and I applaud you for being vigilant, good luck and thanks for your question.
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What Causes Swelling And Redness In Legs?

Welcome to healthcaremagic.com. Good day, the symptoms and physical finding would point towards heart failure, but the heat from the legs/swelling goes against this, it could be a contributing factor however. I would worry about a blood clot in her leg. 1. I would have heart failure ruled out, does she have shortness of breath, how many pillows doe she sleep with, how far can she walk and when did these changes occur. If there are positives and difficulties to exertion she probably also has heart failure. 2. For the blood clot hypothesis, does her calf hurt, did she recently have an injury, did she have a long travel by plane or car ride, does she have a rapid heart rate. 3. Peripheral Vascular Disease can manifest this was, she would have the blotchy skin findings, varicose veins. I would have her see her regular physician as there are specific physical exam maneuvers that will nail the diagnosis. Good luck in your medical career and I applaud you for being vigilant, good luck and thanks for your question.