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What Causes Swollen Painful Leg?

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Question: My husband has leg swelling, it is warm to the touch, has pain in it and chills. History- abnormal echocardiogram taking hctz for it, have mast cell activation also. Do we need to see a doctor tonight?
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Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, see a doctor tonight

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are 2 potential life-threatening problems that present with the symptoms you are describing, so he needs prompt evaluation to determine if these are the cause.

Blood clots in the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth. The danger is the blood clot continues to extend up the leg and into the body. Pieces of clot can break off and cause blood clots in the lung and cardiac arrest.

Cellulitis is an infection in the soft tissues than can also cause pain, warmth, and swelling. The infection can get into the bloodstream and cause septic shock.

Both of these conditions are treatable if detected in time. You don't mention the type of abnormality seen on the echo, but pre-existing cardiac problems can only worsen the possible effects of cellulitis or blood clots.

Bring your husband to emergency and have this looked at right away. The picture you included is consistent with either of these possibilities.

Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Painful Leg?

Brief Answer: Yes, see a doctor tonight Detailed Answer: Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. There are 2 potential life-threatening problems that present with the symptoms you are describing, so he needs prompt evaluation to determine if these are the cause. Blood clots in the leg can cause pain, swelling, and warmth. The danger is the blood clot continues to extend up the leg and into the body. Pieces of clot can break off and cause blood clots in the lung and cardiac arrest. Cellulitis is an infection in the soft tissues than can also cause pain, warmth, and swelling. The infection can get into the bloodstream and cause septic shock. Both of these conditions are treatable if detected in time. You don't mention the type of abnormality seen on the echo, but pre-existing cardiac problems can only worsen the possible effects of cellulitis or blood clots. Bring your husband to emergency and have this looked at right away. The picture you included is consistent with either of these possibilities. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.