Swelling and Discomfort in My Right Leg
I’m a 38-year-old female with issues such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and a history of lung histoplasmosis, all of which I’ve been managing with medication for over two years. About a month ago, I began to experience a tight and painful sensation in my calf. After taking ibuprofen and going for a long walk, the discomfort diminished within a day. I initially attributed it to either unexercised muscles from being at a desk for long periods or possible dehydration. However, two weeks ago, the pain resurfaced, this time radiating to the back of my knee and extending to the upper part of my thigh. Fortunately, the discomfort eased somewhat after another long walk last Sunday. But upon returning home last night, I noticed significant swelling—so much so that it caused my compression socks to tear at the back. I spent the night with my leg elevated on pillows while in the recliner, which helped reduce the swelling by about half. Yet, after moving around and heading into work today, the swelling returned. There’s a persistent ache behind my knee and in my calf. Walking seems to alleviate some of the discomfort, but my leg feels incredibly heavy, which also leads to shortness of breath. I recognize that I should seek medical advice; should I consider visiting urgent care or the emergency room right away?
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 7:50:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's important that your concerns about swelling, discomfort, and shortness of breath are taken seriously as they can signal a potential underlying condition that may require prompt attention. The combination of these symptoms, especially with your history of lung histoplasmosis and existing high blood pressure, makes it crucial to approach this matter cautiously.
Explanation
Swelling in the leg, particularly with pain radiating and associated shortness of breath, could be linked to several issues, such as a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), muscle strain, or even fluid retention related to your high blood pressure. While walking appears to alleviate some discomfort, the persistent swelling and heaviness, along with breathing difficulties, are concerning and merit further evaluation.
Next Steps
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Immediate Medical Attention: Given your symptoms—especially the swelling, discomfort, and shortness of breath—it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should consider visiting urgent care or the emergency room. Explain your symptoms clearly, including the history of your leg swelling and calf pain.
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Rest and Elevation: Until you can get medical attention, continue elevating your leg to help reduce swelling. Try to minimize standing or sitting for extended periods.
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Hydration: Ensure you stay well-hydrated. Drinking enough fluids can help with circulation but avoid excessive salt intake, which can worsen swelling.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, such as increased swelling, pain intensity, and any new symptoms like changes in breathing or any occurrences of chest pain. This information will be valuable for healthcare providers.
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Compression Care: If you have compression socks, you can use them when you're not experiencing significant swelling. However, monitor how your leg feels with the compression as it could lead to discomfort if too tight.
Remember, addressing these symptoms with a healthcare provider promptly is crucial. Your wellbeing is the priority, and it is better to be safe when it comes to symptoms that involve swelling and breathing changes.
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