Swelling and a Lump in My Thigh: Should I Be Concerned?
Last night, I experienced an alarming incident where my left leg suddenly went numb, followed by noticeable swelling and hardness. Given my family’s history of thrombosis, my mind raced with concern. Perhaps I was overreacting, but I made the decision to head to the emergency room. By the time I arrived and was evaluated, the numbness had improved considerably, and the swelling had diminished significantly. They performed an ultrasound on the area behind my knee and in my groin, concluding that there were no signs of thrombosis, which made me feel a bit foolish for coming in. Today, however, I've discovered a painful lump roughly 10 centimeters above my left knee, which is the same leg that swelled up yesterday. The discomfort resembles that of a bruise, and the bump feels somewhat like an enlarged vein. Notably, it isn’t warm or red. I’m beginning to wonder if this could simply be a varicose vein that wouldn’t require immediate evaluation, or if it would be wise to consult a doctor sooner than planned. My mother suggests I take one of her blood thinners until my appointment on Monday. Is it advisable to use her medication, or could that pose risks? To provide additional context: I am a 34-year-old female, non-smoker, standing at 170 cm and weighing 52 kg. I am white and live with Hashimoto's disease, for which I take NDT and LDN. This situation is unprecedented for me; I’ve only started noticing varicose veins after giving birth.
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 8:20:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about sudden leg symptoms like swelling, numbness, and the new lump you're experiencing. While your symptoms have improved since your emergency room visit, it’s essential to pay attention to any changes in your condition moving forward.
Explanation
The symptoms you describe, such as the swelling and development of a lump, could potentially be due to a few different causes, including varicose veins, hematomas (bruises), lymphatic issues, or muscle strains. Given your family history of thrombosis, it’s wise to be vigilant. However, since the ultrasound showed no thrombosis, it may indicate that a serious vascular issue has already been ruled out.
The lump you’re feeling could be related to changes in circulation or muscle trauma, especially since you noted that it feels like an enlarged vein and resembles a bruise. The fact that it’s not warm or red is reassuring, but it should still be monitored closely.
Priority Next Steps
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Avoid Self-Medicating: Do not take your mother's blood thinner without consulting your doctor first. Blood thinners can have serious side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
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Rest and Elevation: Give your leg some rest. Elevate it when you can, as this can help reduce swelling.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the lump and any new symptoms that arise. If you notice increased pain, warmth, redness, or if your limb feels increasingly numb or cold, seek medical attention sooner.
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Apply Ice: If the lump is painful, applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and discomfort, but don’t apply ice directly to your skin—wrap it in a cloth first.
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Document Your Symptoms: Write down when you notice changes in the lump or any other symptoms so you can share this information with your doctor on your next visit.
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Consult Your Doctor: Since you have an appointment on Monday, continue with that, but if symptoms worsen or you have new concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider before then.
Remember, your body is your best guide; trust your instincts about your health, and please reach out if you feel uncertain as the situation develops.
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