Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Leg Pain
Question: Hello. I am a 52 year old woman. I am of average weight, 5'8" 165 pounds. I am fairly active and healthy. For the last three months I have been experiencing a constant leg ache. It generates behind my knee however, i have the same ache in my lower leg, ie: calf as well as my upper thigh. It feels like a growing type ache reminiscent to a leg ache from growing or over working out. If I rub vigorously and or move leg by bending several times it seems to elevate the pain temporarily . I am worried about blood clots or something similar as I feel as though there is a blockage or back up (at least that is what the pain feels like. )
Brief Answer:
clots usually cause swelling, varicose veins, tenderness, warmth/redness,
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about clots with a history of a pain in the leg but the presence of a clot for three months would normally present with additional signs and symptoms.
Eg swelling of the legs (due to blockage of blood flow from the clot), varicose veins should be distinct.
An acute clot is also normally associated with redness, increased warmth, tenderness.
If any of these signs/symptoms are present then you should have a doppler ultrasound of the legs to see if a clot is present. This is an ultrasound that takes a look at the veins.
If these symptoms are not present, the chance of a clot is less but if you remain concerned, the test can still be ordered by your doctor.
The only way to know for sure would be to visualize with the ultrasound.
It is possible since the pain is temporarily relieved by movement or rubbing that it may be muscular in nature but your doctor can determine this during your assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
clots usually cause swelling, varicose veins, tenderness, warmth/redness,
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned about clots with a history of a pain in the leg but the presence of a clot for three months would normally present with additional signs and symptoms.
Eg swelling of the legs (due to blockage of blood flow from the clot), varicose veins should be distinct.
An acute clot is also normally associated with redness, increased warmth, tenderness.
If any of these signs/symptoms are present then you should have a doppler ultrasound of the legs to see if a clot is present. This is an ultrasound that takes a look at the veins.
If these symptoms are not present, the chance of a clot is less but if you remain concerned, the test can still be ordered by your doctor.
The only way to know for sure would be to visualize with the ultrasound.
It is possible since the pain is temporarily relieved by movement or rubbing that it may be muscular in nature but your doctor can determine this during your assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
