Concerns About Calf Discomfort After Syndesmosis Surgery: Is It Thrombosis?
Greetings everyone, I'm a 31-year-old female weighing 68 kg (139 lbs) and currently recovering from surgery following an ankle injury I sustained on February 13, 2025. During this incident, I experienced several issues: - A rupture in the syndesmosis along with a ligament between my tibia and fibula, - A non-displaced fracture in the Volkmann triangle. Due to the severity of the syndesmosis rupture, I underwent a surgical procedure where two screws were placed to stabilize my injury. As part of my rehabilitation, I am required to refrain from putting weight on my leg for six weeks, during which I have been using a Vacoped boot, designed specifically for below-knee support. Currently, I can only bear 15 kg of weight, and I am relying solely on crutches for mobility while administering daily injections for thrombosis prevention (blood thinners). At this point in my recovery, I primarily rest at home, keeping my leg elevated, and venture out with my crutches for short walks of around 500 meters each day. **Here's my main concern:** Over the last 4 to 5 days, I’ve experienced a pulling sensation in my calf while standing, but without applying any weight to my leg. The calf area isn't red and does not exhibit visible swelling. Nonetheless, I have observed some swelling at the ankle following my brief walks. Interestingly, the calf discomfort usually subsides when I elevate my leg or if I bear a small amount of weight on it. I've included a photo that was taken right after one of my walks, showing a mark on my leg from my sock: Should I be concerned about a potential thrombosis? Or is it possible that the swelling and calf pain are typical for my stage of recovery? I appreciate any guidance or thoughts you might have!
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 5:01:13 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about discomfort during the recovery process, especially after surgery and while on blood thinners. Your symptoms—calf discomfort and some ankle swelling—might be concerning for thrombosis, but they could also be typical for your recovery stage. Here’s a brief overview of the key points and some actionable steps for you.
Key Points
- Calf Discomfort & Swelling: While you're experiencing pulling sensations in your calf and some ankle swelling after activity, these symptoms can occur during recovery as your body heals.
- Thrombosis Risk: You're at an increased risk of thrombosis (blood clots) due to your surgery and immobility, but without severe symptoms (like significant swelling, redness, pain in the calf, or shortness of breath), it's less likely.
- Elevation Helps: Your symptoms improve when you elevate your leg or bear a small amount of weight, which suggests they could be related to fluid retention or muscle strain rather than a clot.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Note if you develop any redness, significant swelling, warmth, or increasing pain in your calf.
- Elevate & Rest: Continue to elevate your leg and rest as needed. Elevation helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Gradual Weight Bearing: Follow your weight-bearing guidelines closely but consider discussing with your healthcare provider about gradually increasing your activity if your symptoms allow.
- Hydration & Movement: Ensure you stay hydrated and perform any prescribed movements to keep circulation flowing, even while being cautious with your activities.
- Seek Immediate Help if Necessary: If you experience worsening symptoms, such as severe calf pain, swelling, a feeling of warmth in your calf, or changes in your ability to breathe, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Your concern is valid, and it's crucial to stay vigilant during your recovery. If you have any doubts or if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Wishing you a smooth recovery!
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