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What Is The Treatment For Sore, Red And Swollen Spot On Calf Caused By Superficial Thrombophlebitis??
hello. about a month ago i had a sore spot on my lower left calf, was visible hard and swollen, reddish w/ bruising and warm to touch. went to ER, was dx as superficial thrombophlebitis after a deep vein ultrasound was negative. was told anti inflammatories and rest. w/in a few weeks it looked as tho it went away, pain gone, no swelling, just some slight discoloration still. follow up vein scan was normal and d-dimer blood test was normal. my question is, tonight, while walking i started to notice pain in that same calf, tho higher in the leg. no swelling or bruising or redness but very tender to touch and pain while walking. should i be concerned that a deeper clot formed? i measured circumference of both legs/calves and they are the same size and it doesn't hurt when at rest. thoughts?
Wed, 8 Jan 2014
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Based on your symptoms, a deep vein thrombosis is unlikely. Most possibly it could be due to a soft tissue strain (either a muscle or a tendon).
Its better to get a doppler ultrasound examination of the involved leg to rule out the possibility of a deep vein clot.
Try to following measures and see if your symptoms resolve -
- Give rest to the limb and avoid any movements that produce pain
- Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the day
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calms the inflammation
- Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the painful area prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat before an activity and ice afterwards
- Gentle local massaging with a painkiller cream might be helpful
If your symptoms are not resolving with the above measures, consult your treating physician for further workup.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Based on your symptoms, a deep vein thrombosis is unlikely. Most possibly it could be due to a soft tissue strain (either a muscle or a tendon).
Its better to get a doppler ultrasound examination of the involved leg to rule out the possibility of a deep vein clot.
Try to following measures and see if your symptoms resolve -
- Give rest to the limb and avoid any movements that produce pain
- Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the day
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calms the inflammation
- Before activities, gentle heating can help loosen the muscle. Apply a heat pack to the painful area prior to stretching or exercising. As a general rule of thumb, remember to heat before an activity and ice afterwards
- Gentle local massaging with a painkiller cream might be helpful
If your symptoms are not resolving with the above measures, consult your treating physician for further workup.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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