Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.

Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.

When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.

As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.

Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.

There are several types of blood clots:

• Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
• Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
• Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.

Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.

A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:

• a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
• a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
• surgery to the hand or fingers
• wearing a ring that’s way too small

Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• kidney failure

A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.

Two types of blood clots in the finger are:

• Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
• Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.

A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.

This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.

If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.

Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:

• one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
• pain, tenderness, or warmth
• redness or other color changes to the finger
• finger that feels cold to the touch

A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.

If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.

A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.

It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.

Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.

Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:

• pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
• heart attack
• stroke

These are life-threatening medical emergencies.

Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:

• being over age 40
• being overweight
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• genetic predisposition
• hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
• long periods of inactivity
• pregnancy
• smoking

Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.

A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:

• massaging the lesion
• applying hot compresses
• using compression bandages

In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.

If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.

Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:

• the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
• there’s a lot of swelling
• you have increasing pain
• the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
• you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
• you can’t move your fingers normally
• your fingers are an abnormal color

If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:

• physical examination to assess your skin
• X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
• ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
• artery pressure and pulse recordings

If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:

• blood count
• blood coagulation test
• blood chemistries

While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pictures, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and More

Blood clots can be serious. If you notice a bump or what may be a swollen artery or vein on your finger or elsewhere, visit a doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

The fact that your blood can clot is a good thing because it can stop you from bleeding. But when abnormal blood clots form in a vein or artery, it can create problems. These clots can form anywhere in the body, including your fingers.

Continue reading to explore blood clots in the fingers, why blood clots develop, and if they should be treated.

When you cut a blood vessel, a type of blood cell called platelets race to the scene. They come together at the site of the injury to form a clot and put an end to the bleeding.

As the cut begins to heal, your body slowly dissolves the clot. This is how blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is supposed to work.

Sometimes, blood clots develop inside blood vessels where they aren’t needed. These abnormal blood clots can interfere with blood flow and potentially cause serious problems.

There are several types of blood clots:

• Thrombus (venous thrombus). This blood clot forms in a vein.
• Arterial. This clot forms in an artery.
• Superficial thrombophlebitis. This blood clot develops in a vein just under the skin.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This abnormal clot forms in a large, deep vein, typically in an arm or leg.
• Embolus (thromboembolus). This clot breaks off and travels through blood vessels.

Clots can form in any part of the body, including the fingers and underneath the fingernails.

A blood clot can form after a trauma to the finger damages blood vessels or breaks a bone. Examples include:

• a heavy object falling on the fingers, like when you accidentally hit your finger with a hammer
• a crush injury, such as when you get your finger caught in a car door
• surgery to the hand or fingers
• wearing a ring that’s way too small

Problems with blood flow can also lead to clots. Aging can cause problems with blood flow, as can certain conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• kidney failure

A weakened artery wall can create a bulge called an aneurysm, where a clot can develop. A clot from an aneurysm can break apart and send smaller clots into the bloodstream, where they can reach the fingers.

Two types of blood clots in the finger are:

• Palmar digital vein thrombosis. This blood clot forms on the palm side of the finger, usually near the middle joint.
• Subungual hematoma. This blood clot develops under the fingernail.

A blood clot in the finger is located in a vein under the skin of the finger, likely near a joint. You might notice a bump, but you may not see much more than that.

This differs from a bruise, which is closer to the surface of the skin. A bruise also quickly changes color, first darkening and then getting lighter as it heals and fades away.

If you have a cut on your finger or underneath the fingernail, normal clotting should stop the bleeding. An abnormal clot is inside the vein and can prevent blood from flowing freely.

Signs that you have a blood clot of the finger include:

• one or more firm, blue bumps on the palm side of the finger
• pain, tenderness, or warmth
• redness or other color changes to the finger
• finger that feels cold to the touch

A blood clot under the fingernail can be mildly to severely painful.

If you suspect you have a blood clot in your finger, see your doctor. They’ll be able to tell the difference between a bruise and a clot and give you recommendations for treating your injury.

A blood clot in the finger can be small and may go away without treatment. It could be a one-time issue caused by trauma to the finger. But if there’s a medical condition that’s causing abnormal clotting, you’ll want to know.

It’s worth noting that the hands have small blood vessels to begin with, so even a small clot can interfere with blood flow. That can lead to redness, swelling, pain, or even the formation of more clots.

Poor blood flow means there’s not enough oxygen to nourish nearby tissue, which can result in tissue death.

Blood clots can also break off and travel through your bloodstream and reach vital organs. This can lead to:

• pulmonary embolism, an abnormal clot that blocks the flow of blood in your lung
• heart attack
• stroke

These are life-threatening medical emergencies.

Factors that can raise the risk of blood clots in general include:

• being over age 40
• being overweight
• cancer
• chemotherapy
• genetic predisposition
• hormone therapy or hormonal birth control pills
• long periods of inactivity
• pregnancy
• smoking

Although some blood clots in the fingers resolve on their own without treatment, it’s still a good idea to see your doctor. This can help prevent permanent damage to your finger. It can also prevent more serious consequences of blood clots that break apart and enter the bloodstream.

A blood clot underneath your fingernail can result in the nail falling off. To prevent this and to relieve pain, your doctor can cut a tiny hole in the nail to release the pressure.

Talk to your doctor about what you can do at home to relieve pain and pressure. This may include:

• massaging the lesion
• applying hot compresses
• using compression bandages

In some cases, a blood clot can be surgically removed from the finger.

If you’re prone to developing blood clots, your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant). These medications can prevent more clots from forming. Any other underlying conditions that can increase the risk of clotting should also be addressed.

Seek a medical opinion if your hand or finger shows these signs and symptoms:

• the skin is split open and may need to be stitched
• there’s a lot of swelling
• you have increasing pain
• the fingernail is falling off or the base is popping out from under the skin
• you have a wound that you can’t get completely clean
• you can’t move your fingers normally
• your fingers are an abnormal color

If you have an injury to your fingers, testing may include:

• physical examination to assess your skin
• X-ray, MRI, or other imaging test to look for fractured bones and other internal damage
• ultrasound or other testing to check blood flow in arteries and veins
• artery pressure and pulse recordings

If you didn’t have an injury, your doctor will probably want to learn the cause of your blood clot. Diagnostic testing may include:

• blood count
• blood coagulation test
• blood chemistries

While it may not always require medical treatment, blood clots can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a blood clot on your finger or anywhere else, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are blood clots and why are they dangerous?

Clinical symptoms of thrombosis

Signs of a blood clot may not appear for a long time. It happens
due to the small size of the clot in relation to the lumen of the vessel.
That is, there is no obstruction to blood flow – there is no clinic. But it does not mean,
that there is no cause for concern.

The presence of a blood clot is life-threatening! Especially in asymptomatic
course, as there is no alertness in the patient.

What is thrombosis?

Thrombosis is an acute violation of blood flow in the vessel due to complete
or partial blockage of its lumen by a clot.

Most often, deep vein thrombosis occurs in the lower extremities, which
manifested by severe pain, swelling and cyanosis of the skin.
The process is unilateral, simultaneous thrombosis of the veins of both legs occurs
rarely.

Complications of thrombosis

As soon as you notice the first symptoms of a blood clot in yourself, you should not
delay a visit to the doctor. It’s like a ticking time bomb and
When it explodes, it’s hard to predict.

If a blood clot breaks off in the leg, symptoms will appear immediately. clot
migrates with the bloodstream and can block any vessel. In medicine, this
called thromboembolism.

The most formidable and severe complication is pulmonary thromboembolism.
arteries (PE) – blockage of a large vessel through which blood moves
from the heart to the lungs. Lethality reaches 25%.

Clinically manifested:

What causes a thrombus to come off? What provokes?

With varicose veins and thrombophlebitis of the superficial veins, the thrombus is well attached
and rarely comes off. In most cases, separation occurs when
deep vein thrombosis in the legs. The following can provoke
factors:

How to identify a blood clot in the leg?

A phlebologist can suspect the diagnosis of thrombosis after collecting an anamnesis
disease and examination of the patient. Confirm the diagnosis, determine
the location of the thrombus in the vessel, its size, nature and risk of development
complications allows ultrasound in duplex scanning mode.

Important! Anyone who falls into the risk group for the development of venous
pathology and thrombosis should be regularly examined and
consult a vascular surgeon.

After identifying a blood clot in the leg, what to do next and how to prevent
severe complications, the phlebologist will give all the necessary recommendations.
Will select treatment methods with a minimum risk of complications, taking into account
individual characteristics of the patient, age, concomitant
pathology.

The effectiveness of treatment is 50% dependent on the participation of the patient. Only
adhering to all the recommendations of a specialist, adjusting the image
life, giving up bad habits, normalizing weight, you can
count on success.

Vascular surgeons at Da-Vinci Clinic are fluent in modern
methods of treatment and prevention of vascular pathology, using
disposable quality materials from leading foreign manufacturers.

A blood clot has broken off. What does this mean and what will be the consequences? – 17 August 2020

1

What is a blood clot?

In simple terms, a blood clot is a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel or in the heart cavity. In fact, it is a foreign site in the bloodstream. Its formation in medicine is called thrombosis. A blood clot (thrombus) can grow, expand, and break off at some point. This leads to blockage of the vessel. Thrombi can occur in any vessel.

Share

2

Why do blood clots form?

There are three main reasons why a blood clot forms. The first is abnormal heart function (irregular heart rhythms). The second is a change in the properties of blood (when it thickens). The third is the separation of a piece from the vessel wall (it is also considered a thrombus). Thrombus formation can be chronic.

Share

3

Why is thrombosis dangerous?

A blood clot can block a vessel in an organ and stop blood circulation in a certain area. The latter entails the withering away of the site. For example, myocardial infarction, which is directly related to the appearance of a blood clot, is the death of muscle cells. A cerebral infarction or ischemic stroke is the death of neurons. That is, a thrombus blocks the vessel, blood and oxygen do not enter there, and this area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe tissue or organ dies. The most dangerous blood clots are those that form in the arteries. The fact is that through them blood from the heart enters vital organs, for example, the brain or lungs.

Share

4

How to detect a blood clot (before it’s too late)?

Blood clots are detected by vascular ultrasound. If they are found, the doctor determines the cause of thrombosis and prescribes treatment. This procedure is carried out using sensors, therefore it is considered safe and allowed for people of any age. If pathologies are found, the doctor sets the frequency of the ultrasound examination. Vessels of a healthy person are recommended to be examined approximately once every 5 years.

Share

5

How to treat?

If a blood clot is found in a vessel, it can be removed in several ways: dissolve by injection of special preparations, remove with a laser or surgically.

— There is a concept of “therapeutic window”. If a blood clot breaks off, we ask relatives or patients when they felt unwell in order to have time to get it in a certain period of time.

Share

6

Who can get thrombosis?

Thrombosis threatens people with heart disease, those with metabolic problems, patients suffering from rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension. Pregnancy, a sedentary lifestyle, addiction to alcohol and tobacco can also affect the occurrence of a blood clot.

Share

7

When should you go to the doctor?

Above we talked about three causes of thrombus formation. If you notice irregularities in the heart rhythm, this is an occasion to consult a doctor. Also, doctors recommend taking blood tests to monitor whether her indicators are normal. Blood clots can lead to thrombosis.

The reason for visiting a doctor may be numbness of parts of the body. It is best to go to the hospital after the first such case. It is not worth postponing a visit, calculating the frequency of numbness or self-medicating. It is recommended to visit a therapist immediately. A general practitioner, thanks to his knowledge, can refer the patient to the right specialist: a neurologist, a vascular surgeon, or even a gynecologist (ovarian thrombosis also happens).

Blood test may show that it has clotted, which leads to the formation of a blood clot

Photo: Ivan Reizvich

Share

8

When do people die instantly from thrombosis?

Thrombosis does not always lead to instant death. There are certain cases in which a person dies. Most often this happens when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain or even to the heart itself. The two most common causes of death in such cases are ischemic stroke and heart attack. In the first case, the thrombus completely blocks the lumen in the vessel.