Q: I just noticed that my left leg is “bigger” than my right one. (i.e. swelling of the calf and thigh) The right one is fine. What could be the cause and what doctor do I see about this? My thyroid is fine and my kidneys seem to be functioning (my MRI showed that) I’m confused whether to just buy support hose, or see my cardiologist, internist, endocrinologist or vascular specialist?
A: You need to make an appointment to see your primary care doctor. Depending upon what is found on physical exam, your doctor will be able to suggest a treatment or refer you to the appropriate specialist. Since you have swelling in just one leg, there is a possibility you have a blood clot in your leg. This can be serious problem so don’t delay in seeking treatment. From more information about blood clots go to this page at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
(10 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5)
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I seemed to have that problem several years ago, but it was *not* swelling – it was *muscles* growing larger. It appears that it was due to exerting more force regularly with my left leg than with my right in certain exercises at the gym. (Some knee pain in my right knee at that time caused me to do that!)
Also had left-leg cramps several years ago. That was *solved* at the gym, when I started to do exercises *stretching* the calf!
I have not had swelling but have found that the BP above the ankle runs very high (212/150) while my arm BP is about 115/70. I have asked Dr. R. about this several times but never get a reply. A leg scan showed no clot, which seemed to be all my primary Doc wanted to know. Have you used the cuff at home to check the BP in that swollen leg?
I too had swelling of one leg after playing tennis several years ago, and an ultrasound of the leg did indeed show a blood clot in my leg. Spent a few days in the hospital until they thinned out my blood with heparin. I have been on warfarin ever since as this was the second time I had a blood clot (the first one traveled by my lung).
Once you get them, you are predisposed to get them again.
Bev, can you shed a little more light on your leg cramps. I have leg cramps for a while now when walking on the track first few laps and as I suspected my potassium was low. Doc. has changed meds but the cramps continue unless I take a painkiller which must be rotated to be effective.
Sherrie,
My leg cramps woke me up at night. I did not have them at other times. It was my trainer at the gym who suggested stretching my calf regularly, and that did indeed solve the problem.
bETTER CHECK FOR kIDNEY DISEASE.
Tom, she doesn’t have the answer, it would take her too long to look it up or ask the people who are paying her on this site. I’m surprised she hasn’t told these people including you, to purchase resprete, it seems that that is always her pat answer, per her it is a cure all.
People, if you are presently going to a doctor, then why why are you asking questions from someone who you have no credentials on?? nor how could she possibly diagnose you per a written question?
Several years ago I had a mild behind-the-knee soreness. A few days later I notice my right calf swollen. I had a DVT and was on Wafarin for 9 months. I recently joined 23 and Me, a genetic testing site. I learned that I carry a gene that predisposes me to blood clots.
My legs are the same size. But, for the past 6 to 7 yrs. have noticed my left lower arm is slightly larger around than the right one. I’ve been in & out of the hospital several times & no one seems to think a thing of it. And, I see my pcp every 3 months & he says nothing. I’m on Pradaxa twice a day because of the AFib. So, I’m not very worried about clots. And there’s no pain. Have been on it a little over a yr.,now. Any thoughts????