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What Causes Bruises On The Calf Muscles ?

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Posted on Wed, 2 May 2012
Question: Good evening! I am a 34 year old female with degenerative disc disease, and stenosis of the spine. I am 5 feet 3 inches tall and I weigh 127 pounds. Following a cervical procedure last week, I had 4 pulmonary embolisms and 2 blood clots (one behind each knee). Tonight, I found an area on my left calf that is beginning to bruise. It is slightly enflamed, and tender to touch. Is this something I should be alarmed about immediately, or can it wait until the morning to call my doctor's office? I need this answer ASAP, as it is 1:15 in the morning.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (21 minutes later)
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.

An area on the calf with spontaneously appearing bruise without any history of trauma is indicative of a bleeding disorder.

This might have happened secondary to the blood thinning agents like coumadin that you are taking after pulmonary embolism.

Excessive intake of food stuffs like fish oils, ginkgo biloba, ginger or garlic can precipitate such events.

Spontaneous bleeding needs to be investigated with coagulation and bleeding profiles .Your doses of coumadin may need to be reduced accordingly.

It is best to attend an ER as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14041 Questions

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What Causes Bruises On The Calf Muscles ?

Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.

An area on the calf with spontaneously appearing bruise without any history of trauma is indicative of a bleeding disorder.

This might have happened secondary to the blood thinning agents like coumadin that you are taking after pulmonary embolism.

Excessive intake of food stuffs like fish oils, ginkgo biloba, ginger or garlic can precipitate such events.

Spontaneous bleeding needs to be investigated with coagulation and bleeding profiles .Your doses of coumadin may need to be reduced accordingly.

It is best to attend an ER as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Regards.