What causes upper calf and foot arch pain without swelling?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have some pain in my lower left leg. It is more focused behind and around the knee, in my upper calf, and in the arch of my foot. It is not discolored, swollen, or warm or colder than the other side. It is just uncomfortable.

I have been pretty stationary due to an infection, but I do get up quite often to use the bathroom, and I often stretch. This pain started four days ago.

It has not gotten worse, but at the same time has not gotten better. Does it sound like a pinched nerve, maybe, or DVT? Should I go to the ER or make an appointment to see my primary care doctor?

I am currently on Macrobid. I have done blood tests, hormone levels, CBC, and electrolyte tests many times, and all seem to be normal.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Leg pain behind the knees, which is localized and nonradiating in nature, with no swelling, no history of prolonged bed rest, and no fracture of a limb. Hence, this is not deep vein thromboembolism. DVT occurs when there is a prolonged history of immobilization with a sudden onset of swelling.

This also does not look like cellulitis, which is a superficial subcutaneous infection and the most common cause of swelling and pain. If this is more about walking, then we have to rule out claudication first, and second is knee joint pathology. Kindly tell me if there is any history of trauma, falls, or any associated disease.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not get nervous; it is not DVT. You follow the instructions for further management. Get an X-ray of the knee and ankle. CBC (complete blood count) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) to rule out any inflammatory process. And take tablet Zerodol SP (Paracetamol, Aceclofenac, and Serratiopeptidase): one tablet BD (twice daily) for three days. Do some limb physiotherapy, like extension and flexion. If you have any further queries, please feel free to ask.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.