Swollen Calf

Such has been the publicity about cramped airline flights that this presentation – and the closely related symptom, ‘calf pain’ (refer to that section) – has become quite common. The worry the patient has about a possible DVT matches the clinician’s anxiety not to miss this significant problem. In most cases, a careful history, backed up by appropriate examination, should reveal the true cause.

Published: 2nd August 2022 | Updated: 29th September 2022

Differential diagnosis

Common Diagnoses

  • Cellulitis
  • Most Causes of Swollen Ankles
  • Muscle Strain/Rupture (Especially Rupture of Plantaris Tendon)
  • Ruptured Baker’s Cyst
  • DVT

Occasional Diagnoses

  • Ruptured Achilles Tendon
  • Varicose Eczema
  • Phlebitis

Rare Diagnoses

  • Muscle Herniation Through Fascia (Especially Tibialis Anterior)
  • Muscular Neoplasm
  • Pseudohypertrophy (as in Muscular Dystrophy)

Ready reckoner

Key distinguishing features of the most common diagnoses

CellulitisSwollen AnklesMuscularBaker’s CystDVT
FeverYesNoNoNoPossible
BilateralPossiblePossibleNoNoPossible
Sudden PainNoNoYesPossiblePossible
Previous Swelling Behind KneeNoNoNoYesNo
Skin RedYesPossibleNoNoPossible

Possible investigations

Likely: None (unless sent to hospital).

Possible: FBC, ESR/CRP and other investigations for swollen ankles (see also 'swollen ankles' section); usually in hospital – D-dimer, ultrasound, venography.

Small Print: None.

  • FBC, ESR/CRP: Elevated white cell count and ESR/CRP in cellulitis.
  • D-dimer: Raised level suggests DVT but is not conclusive.
  • Ultrasound: May help diagnose DVT and useful in confirming ruptured Baker’s cyst as the cause. Venography necessary to confirm DVT in some cases.

Top Tips

  • The swelling resulting from a muscle rupture can be impressive – but a typical history with pain (described as ‘like being shot in the calf ’) preceding the swelling should clinch the correct diagnosis.
  • Varicose eczema is often misdiagnosed as cellulitis. Clues are that it is commonly bilateral, itches more than hurts and is not accompanied by fever. To complicate matters, varicose eczema can become infected, causing cellulitis.
  • Anxiety about possible DVT may cloud the presentation – careful questioning may reveal that swelling is, in fact, long-standing and/or bilateral, making DVT very unlikely.

Red Flags

  • Patients with unexplained DVT are three to four times more likely than controls to have an underlying malignancy – so, once the DVT has been dealt with, consider appropriate investigation.
  • In high-risk patients – such as those who have just returned from a long haul flight – your index of suspicion for DVT should be raised.
  • When the history suggests muscular rupture, ensure that the Achilles tendon is intact.
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Nursing in Practice Reference is based on the best-selling book Symptom Sorter.

The experts behind Nursing in Practice Reference are Marilyn Eveleigh who is Nursing in Practice’s editorial advisor and a primary care nurse in East Sussex, Dr Keith Hopcroft who is the co-author of Symptom Sorter, a GP in Essex and Pulse editorial advisor and Dr Poppy Freeman, a GP in Camden and also a clinical advisor to Pulse.

For use by healthcare professionals only, working within their scope of professional practice. Nursing in Practice Reference is for clinical guidance only and cannot give definitive diagnostic information. Appropriate referrals should be made following individual practices protocols and employer expectations, locally agreed pathways and national guidelines.