OpenHealth Q&A

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:

1. The lump could be related to residual effects of your previous cellulitis, possibly a seroma (fluid-filled sac) or a cyst.
2. Lymphedema is also a possibility, especially if swelling occurs in relation to prolonged pressure or sitting.
3. 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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.