The best treatments for leg pain and swelling depend on their cause. Common treatments, however, include pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory medications. Pain and swelling can be caused by injury, standing for prolong periods of time, and poor circulation. Rarely, this problem, particularly if located in the back of the calf, can be attributed to a blood clot.
Before an appropriate care plan can be put into place, a medical professional needs to determine what is causing the leg pain and swelling. Medical tests, such as x-rays and MRI, can be helpful in determining the cause. In addition, studies to evaluate blood flow are often recommended when venous causes are suspect. Symptoms that might be attributable to a blood clot need to be diagnosed and treated quickly because the blood clot can break off and travel to the heart or lungs if not treated.
A simple remedy for pain and swelling in the leg is elevating the limb higher than the heart. Leg elevation increases circulation, which can help ease pain and inflammation. In addition, resting the leg so that additional pressure is not exerted on it is also helpful. Applying cold compresses or a heating pad can also help with discomfort and sometimes can even restore mobility and range of motion.
Occasionally, pain and swelling will respond to physical therapy treatments. The physical therapist will evaluate pain sensations, movement, and limitation to determine which therapeutic program will best relieve symptoms. Exercises and strengthening maneuvers are generally helpful in restoring comfort and minimizing inflammation. Physical therapy regimens are typically continued for a few months because healing can be very gradual, especially in cases where injury is the cause of pain and swelling.
A simple, at-home measure treatment is taking a warm bath, since warm water is soothing to muscles and can promote circulation. In addition, gentle massage can also relax stiff muscles; however, these should never be done if a blood clot is suspected. Massaging the calf when a blood clot is present puts the patient at risk for an embolism, which is when a portion of the blood clot travels through the circulatory system and lodges in the lungs or heart. If not immediately diagnosed and treated, an embolism can result in respiratory distress or even death.
