Persistent Swelling After Cellulitis: Seeking Answers
At 35 years old and standing 5 feet 4 inches tall with a weight of 160 pounds, I am reaching out about a lingering issue that's been troubling me for around eight years. The concern lies on the back right side of my knee, just above the bend of the joint. I have no significant medical history to mention and currently take prenatal vitamins, Omega 3 supplements, and baby aspirin. ### The Situation: I'm feeling a bit lost regarding which medical professional to approach about this. I’ve included a link to a picture for reference, although it’s somewhat tricky to see the lump due to its location and small size. To summarize, eight years ago, I ended up in the emergency room because a painful, warm, and reddened lump appeared on my leg near my knee. It turned out to be a cellulitis infection that stemmed from a mosquito bite. After excessive itching led me to scratch, I developed a fever, and the redness quickly spread, with the lump swelling to the size of a golf ball. After completing a course of antibiotics, my recovery was swift, taking only about three to four days, and I experienced significant relief. However, despite my recovery, I was left with a small lump, roughly the size of a quarter, which persisted over the years. About a year later, I consulted my primary care physician because the lump hadn’t diminished. I noticed it occasionally swelled with tight clothing, prolonged sitting, or pressure depending on how I was positioned. Although these episodes were infrequent, they did occur about once a year. My doctor appeared puzzled and mentioned she hadn’t encountered anything similar before. Imaging was done to check for blood clots in both legs, which returned negative results, and that was the extent of the follow-up. The lump hasn’t diffused or shown redness, and I haven't had any fevers, but I do experience a dull pain localized around what seems to be a pocket of fluid near the lump. When I press on it, the lump feels firm, while the surrounding area has a more fluid-like sensation. I've discovered that using an ice pack, applying arnica, and elevating my legs alleviates the pain and swelling during flare-ups. Recently, I experienced discomfort after sitting in a chair for an extended time, which inadvertently applied pressure to the area. The pain lasted for about two days before subsiding, but there remains some fluid around the lump, which has never displayed redness or warmth, and I currently have no fever. I plan to visit a new primary care doctor in my area for further evaluation, yet I feel quite desperate for answers. I’ve done some online research and wonder if this could potentially be a cyst that requires drainage, or if it might be related to scarring, though I question whether scarring would cause associated swelling. Additionally, given its proximity to lymph nodes, could this be a case of lymphedema? If so, would draining the lump assist in treatment, or is it normal to have a lump in cases of lymphedema? I'm genuinely at a loss and feel as though this has become a medical enigma to the healthcare providers I’ve approached, most of whom have dismissed my concerns without substantial advice. Any insights or direction would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 8:50:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a persistent and complex issue related to a lump near your knee following a cellulitis infection. Your history and symptoms suggest a few possibilities, including a localized fluid accumulation, potential scarring, or issues related to lymphatic drainage. Let’s break this down.
Main Points:
- The lump could be related to residual effects of your previous cellulitis, possibly a seroma (fluid-filled sac) or a cyst.
- Lymphedema is also a possibility, especially if swelling occurs in relation to prolonged pressure or sitting.
- It’s important to follow up with appropriate medical professionals for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.
Explanation:
Given your long-term experience with this lump, it’s understandable to feel frustrated. After cellulitis, some patients can develop collections of fluid (seromas) or cysts in the affected area. In your case, the firmness of the lump and the sensation of fluid around it, especially combined with worsening symptoms during pressure or sitting, raise a few considerations:
-
Seroma or Cyst: A seroma can occur after inflammation or trauma and might require drainage if it becomes painful or bothersome. Cysts, on the other hand, might need monitoring or surgical removal if symptomatic.
-
Lymphedema: This condition involves swelling due to lymph fluid buildup, which may also present as a lump or swelling. In cases where lymphedema is confirmed, management often focuses on improving lymphatic drainage and addressing the swelling.
Next Steps:
-
Find a Specialist: Since your primary care physician has had limited insights, consider seeing a specialist such as a dermatologist for skin-related issues or a vascular surgeon for lymphatic system evaluation. They might provide more targeted care regarding potential cysts or lymphedema.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document the size and characteristics of the lump, noting any triggers (like prolonged sitting or tight clothing). Include details about any pain or changes over time. This information can help the doctor make a more informed diagnosis.
-
Continued Self-Care: While waiting for your appointment, continue to apply ice and elevate your legs when you notice swelling or discomfort. This can help manage your symptoms temporarily.
-
Consider Imaging: If not already done, discuss with your new healthcare provider the possibility of advanced imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) to get a clearer picture of what might be happening internally.
-
Monitor for Changes: If you experience any new symptoms, like increased pain, changes in the appearance of the lump, or any signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, systemic symptoms), it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
I appreciate how challenging this situation has been for you, and I hope these steps will provide a clearer path toward resolution. Please take care, and keep me posted if you have more questions or concerns.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance on My Father's Rare Medical Condition
**Hello everyone, I'm reaching out to see if anyone has had a similar experience to what my dad is going through or if you might have some helpful advice or perspectives to share.** We feel quite lost and are hoping to gain some clarity on this situation. Back in December 2024, we began to notice that my dad was unexpectedly shedding pounds without any discernible cause. He tended to downplay our concerns whenever we suggested he see a doctor; however, by March, the situation had escalated to a level that couldn’t simply be overlooked. In April, we finally took him for a medical evaluation. The blood tests revealed a troubling imbalance: an extremely high count of white blood cells alongside a significantly low count of red blood cells. Initially, the physicians considered Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) and prescribed Imatinib (an oral chemotherapy); regrettably, it proved ineffective. By June, he began to experience involuntary movements in his feet. We took him to St. Luke’s, where an MRI uncovered a **lesion on the right hemisphere of his brain**, which could account for the involuntary motions occurring on the **left** side of his body. The medical team indicated that this lesion is likely associated with the abnormalities in his blood cell production. **Blood cell production issue → Right brain lesion → Uncontrollable twitching** Currently, the doctors are pondering whether this could be a rare and aggressive condition, but we are still without a definitive diagnosis. He is scheduled for additional imaging to explore potential complications, and we are striving to remain optimistic... though, to be honest, the whole experience has left us feeling quite overwhelmed and unsure regarding the next steps to take. We are opening our hearts and reaching out not only for advice but also for a sprinkle of hope. If needed, we are willing to share medical records, test outcomes, or any relevant documents through private messages. Thank you sincerely for taking the time to read this. Your support, in any form, is incredibly meaningful to us at this challenging time.
Understanding Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Syndrome
I am a 30-year-old woman living with Marcus Gunn Jaw-Winking Syndrome (MGJWS) and have a background of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). I can assure you this diagnosis is legitimate, as confirmed by a healthcare professional. With MGJWS, certain movements of my mouth—such as eating, smiling, or using a straw—cause one of my eyelids to close involuntarily. While there’s a slight droop in that eye when it's at rest, it’s generally not noticeable to others. However, this condition is quite bothersome for me, particularly because some strangers have misinterpreted my eyelid's movement as a sign of eye-rolling, which has led to embarrassing and even frightening situations, such as encounters that escalated to aggression. Additionally, I suspect that the strain from this syndrome contributes to frequent headaches. I am currently contemplating a rhinoplasty or septoplasty for unrelated reasons. Would it be unreasonable to inquire with my surgeon about whether it's possible to address my eye condition during the same procedure? I am unsure if any corrective measures could be taken, given that this involves a miscommunication within the cranial nerve, and I recognize that MGJWS is relatively uncommon. My main concern is not wanting to exacerbate the issue, but I truly dislike living with this condition.
Concern Over Sudden Facial Pain in My 12-Year-Old Daughter
I'm seeking guidance regarding my daughter's unexpected facial issue. Last night, she experienced discomfort on the right side of her face, and when we woke up this morning, the situation seemed to worsen. We rushed her to the emergency room, but the medical staff attributed it to a dental issue and prescribed antibiotics without further investigation. This has left me quite anxious, especially since infections in the facial area can escalate swiftly. It's important to note that she has no prior dental problems; she diligently maintains her oral hygiene and is meticulous about her brushing habits. Therefore, the sudden onset of this issue is alarming. As the day progressed, I noticed increased inflammation and warmth around the affected area. I'm wondering if anyone has insights about what this could be. Is it possible that she's dealing with an infection, such as cellulitis or an abscess? What might have triggered this issue out of the blue? If anyone has had similar experiences or advice, I'd greatly appreciate your input.
Concern Over Unintentional Injury During Intimacy
During a recent intimate encounter, I was quite enthusiastic and ended up suckling on my girlfriend's breasts rather forcefully. I also pinched them a bit. Later that night, she mentioned that she experienced some bleeding, which I presume is coming from her nipples. Even a day later, she expressed that they were still bleeding slightly and that touching them caused her discomfort. This situation has left me worried about whether I may have unintentionally harmed her. Currently, she has been placing band-aids over the affected areas for protection.
Headache Conundrum
At 26 years of age, I have been plagued by a persistent headache that sits atop my skull and extends behind my eyes and across my forehead for the past two years. Since giving birth to my two children, I've experienced numerous health challenges. My most recent pregnancy was particularly difficult. Although I wasn’t officially diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum, I was prescribed all available medications for it, leading to significant weight loss. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was often immobilized, as any movement would trigger nausea and relentless vomiting. After the birth of my daughter 13 months ago, while some of the constant nausea and vomiting lessened, I still faced difficulties. Postpartum, I experienced thyroiditis, leading to more weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heightened irritability. My sensitivity to light and sound was overwhelming. As per recent lab tests, my thyroid levels have normalized, although an ultrasound identified a small 3mm nodule with mild heterogeneity, while my vascularity was noted to be normal. In February, my TSH levels were recorded at .47 uIU/ml, and my free T4 at .8 ng/dL. I was also found to be anemic and deficient in vitamin D but, by April, those levels returned to normal. I now take iron supplements daily (65mg), along with 4000iu of vitamin D3 and 1000mg of vitamin C. Additionally, Zyrtec was included in my regimen, which temporarily alleviated my headache symptoms for about a month. From a dental standpoint, my teeth and jaw have been deemed healthy. I experienced some hypertension during delivery but my blood pressure has stabilized at 118/70 since then. Regrettably, I am back to dealing with ongoing headache and head pressure. My vision is impaired, as I wear glasses with prescriptions of -11 in one eye and -10.75 in the other, which have been thoroughly assessed alongside routine eye pressure checks. Occasionally, I experience bright flashes in my left eye without any trailing and subsequent brief blurriness lasting less than 30 seconds before returning to normal. A slight vitreous detachment was observed, but my retina remains unaffected, and these visual disturbances seem to worsen under stress. This unrelenting headache over the past two years is becoming unbearable, and I am reaching out for insights. My physician suspects it could be related to undiagnosed ADHD, while my Nurse Practitioner attributes it to tension headaches and has recommended treatment following an in-office assessment, suggesting a psychological evaluation as well. The headache has become a constant pressure, and my only sources of relief come from pressing on my ears or squeezing my head, along with laying down in a fetal position. While I have dealt with flare-ups related to my sacroiliac joints and have had blown discs from a car accident in my teenage years, my condition has remained stable. I find myself wondering what I should be discussing with my healthcare providers. Would it be appropriate to request CT scans or MRIs? Above all, I yearn to feel like myself again so I can fully engage with my children and return to a more normal life.