poor circulation/phlebitis/cellulitis

[ianess]

My left leg below the knee is alternating between burning hot and freezing cold, scarlet and shiny, and extremely tender.  Doc`s arranging a hospital check-up but it`s all to do with long-term injury problems.

Does anyone have any comments?  Any advice or suggestions most welcome.

[AB Editor]

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[Mowbray]

Hello,

My mother had the same problem and exact same symptoms as you.  Her leg became all swollen below the knee and gradually it got worse. She was taken to hospital and they said it was Cellulitis - she was in only a few days.  The doctors kept her leg elevated to help stop the swelling.

On occassions she has to wear a 'flight' socking to keep the swelling down.

Try to keep your leg elevated as this may help keep the swelling down.

Goodluck

[Shire]

I had this happen a few years ago - my leg swelled up and went red from the ankle to the knee.  The doctor prescribed me flucloxacillin and erythromicin and eventually it went almost back to normal.  It was very painful, and I was advised to rest it, but to also keep active, as otherwise there is a risk of blood clots.  Since then it swells during the day and I have been diagnosed with lymphodeoma and I wear compresion stockings to keep the swelling under control.  Doesn't hurt though, and generally doen't bother me.