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What Causes Tightness In Calves And Severe Ankle Pain?

Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015

Question: Hey. Earlier in the week i was complaining of tightness in my calves which is still there. but now for some reason my left ankle is killing me especially when it is flexed up. I'm afraid that it could be a blood clot. What symptoms should i look for ? When I press it doesn't seem to be painful or red. It's so achy :(

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You may send the picture of leg and ankle

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.The blood clot (DVT) is common in patient above 60 year,smokers and in job involving prolong sitting.
Half of all DVT cases cause no symptoms. If you do have any of the DVT symptoms below ,especially if they occur suddenly,you need color Doppler study for blood vessel--

Swelling in one or both legs
Pain or tenderness in one or both legs, which may occur only while standing or walking
Warmth in the skin of the affected leg
Red or discolored skin in the affected leg
Visible surface veins
Leg fatigue

Hope this helps and I shall be glad to answer any further query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (4 minutes later)

I have leg fatigue and visible surface veins. Should i be worried ?

Thanks for the answer. I can always upload a picture.

to add on: it only seems to hurt while laying down and it feels super heavy

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Color Doppler study is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I have gone through your reply carefully and my suggestion is to visit a GP/Physician for clinical examination and getting a prescription for color Doppler study of blood vessel to rule out blood clot (DVT).
Meanwhile you may do hot water fomentation, gentle exercises along with limb elevation , and take ibuprofen.You may get a prescription from your local doctor for drugs like trypsin/chymotrypsin ,Baclofen to reduce swelling and muscle spasm.
Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (5 hours later)

Thanks. It hurts when i walk on it as well. Does it sound like a blood clot? I am taking 2,000 FU's of nattokinase daily. Also, what are FU's ? Do they convert to mg's ? Is the nattokinase enough ?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Color doppler study is must to reach a diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
My recommendation is to get color Doppler study to reach a diagnosis. Nattokinase is food supplement and may help but taking it alone is not sufficient.
One FU (Fibrinolytic Unit) is the measurement given for the enzyme. It comes from the Japanese Pharmacopeia.It is not converted to mg.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (3 hours later)

will aspirin dissolve it

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Aspirin helps in prevention

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome
I can understand your dilemma, but the best would be to have color Doppler study for blood vessel followed by treatment as per the report. Aspirin has a role in prevention rather than as a treatment for blood clot.Although you can have aspirin.
Please revert back with the color Doppler report.My profile logging id is http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Get well soon.
Take cre

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar