good point re ulses, i'll check again with the GP if i think its possibly a DVT

the swelling is unilateral, but neurological examination was normal.

the lumps feel consolidated in flattened pea sized masses and feel to be intramuscular, not subcutaneous. your thought about cystic lesions is a possibility

if it is this the case do they need draining, surgically removing, or would they respond to frictions/other therapy?

many thanks...

tomc90