What To Do About Swollen Left Calf??

[Smowball]

Now, I had this start a year ago - I had a terrible chest infection, made GP app, but just before I went I noticed that my left calf was swollen -  when I stood looking into a mirror I could clearly see that it was bigger than the right. So I showed the GP, who agreed with me. I didnt have a clue why, and nor did she. Ended up on Frusemide, (water retention tabs) which didn't make the slightest difference. Infact I am still on them but no idea why I'm taking them! Fast forward to now - it is still the same, clearly bigger than right calf. Not sore, not red, but it must be fluid/water as if I wear any kind of sock it leaves a real mark which takes a while to go. Doc keeps saying they've no idea why, and that's that! But I've never had this in my life before, I'm not overweight, I just don't know what I could try to alleviate it?? Any ideas??nor what could have caused it?? And why just one calf?

[DDIL]

Damage lymph drainage nodes, wear compression stockings.

Although I am surprised it's not been managed before now.

[barry1010]

When I was a fat kid my socks left a weal, but I didn't have water retention. My socks were too tight.

No discoloration, difference in temperature?  Does your toes get cold and/or red/blue?

Anything happening with the lump in your arm?

[Smowball]

DDIL - I've mentioned it to doctor several times since last year. It's not stand out obvious, but if I point it out to anyone/doctor then they can see that it is.

barry - doctor is referring me to rheumatology for the limo (granuloma) and is having me have a specific blood test for Sarcoidosis. Why they keep coming outmwithnrandom things I do not know!! Why not just do the test then if it comes up tell me?not before! 

[Smowball]

No goes don't go cold/blue etc.

[barry1010]

Hope your arm is sorted soon, as to your leg - with no pain or other indicators I can't begin to guess 

[DDIL]

Get a compression stocking and see if it improves 

[bookbinder]

DDIL's answer is the best one so far. I had the same problem a few years ago, and I was advised to wear a compression stocking. It has helped, certainly. I put it on first thing in the morning, and take it off just before bedtime. I once did an experiment with the stocking: I left it off for a few days, just to see what happened. After some days, the calf swelled up, so that proved that wearing the stocking was a good thing.

[Smowball]

*toes.

Ok, I will try that and see what happens x

[roopower]

You could ask to be referred to a lymphedema clinic, if there's one in your area ,they're the experts in swollen legs. Have you damaged your groin area at all? As DDIL said, the lymph nodes may not be working properly. Compression stocking would help but you really need to be measured for them. 

[Smowball]

Hi, no I haven't damaged groin at all.Like I said, calf isn't hot, hard, red, nothing, just an inch or so bigger than right one. Which doesn't sound a lot but you can clearly see they are different if I stood in front of you. 

[barry1010]

It might just be normal for you and you've only recently noticed. None of us are symmetrical, my left foot is one size bigger than my right.

Could it be your calf muscle is bigger in that leg? Have you measured both?

[Smowball]

Barry, no it's not normal. We have mirrored wardrobe doors in our bedroom and every morning I get dressed, so I end up seeing my reflection, meaning I can see what my legs look like most days. Then one day I sat on end of bed and faced mirror and just thought why on earth is my left calf suddenly bigger?? I've measured round both valves and left one is bout 1.5 inches bigger

[Smowball]

*calf

[DDIL]

Go for class 1 or class 2 stocking, do not be tempted with class 3  that's the firmest option, I have worn them for 20 years and they take getting used to 

[Old_Geezer]

Probably down to hopping off to work every morning.

Try using the other leg ?

[calmck]

If you try the stocking get it measured for you at the chemist.

If you can put it on and take it off when you are in bed even better. Try not to stand too long with the stocking off. You can shower with it on then sit down to take it off and dry and put another one on before walking around

[calmck]

Also should you get pain, heat or redness in the calf go to the doctor

[DDIL]

Calmk I was advised not to shower with stockings on. 

[calmck]

I shower in mine then remove them, sitting down and wipe my legs with a sponge or flannel and dry thoroughly