Blood clots in lower leg symptoms. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What are the signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. How is DVT diagnosed and treated. Who is at higher risk for developing blood clots in the legs. What can you do to prevent DVT during long journeys or hospital stays.
Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the legs. These clots can pose significant health risks, potentially leading to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.
Identifying the Symptoms of DVT: When to Seek Medical Help
Recognizing the signs of DVT is essential for early intervention. The most common symptoms include:
- Throbbing pain in one leg, usually in the calf or thigh
- Swelling in the affected leg
- Warm skin around the painful area
- Red or darkened skin in the affected region
- Swollen veins that feel hard or sore to the touch
While these symptoms typically occur in the legs, they can also manifest in the arm or abdomen if the clot forms in those areas. It’s important to note that DVT can sometimes occur without any noticeable symptoms, making regular check-ups crucial for individuals at higher risk.
When should you seek immediate medical attention for DVT symptoms?
If you experience symptoms of DVT accompanied by breathlessness or chest pain, it’s imperative to call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. These additional symptoms could indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs.
Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Who’s Most Vulnerable?
Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing DVT. Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical advice. Some common risk factors include:
- Age over 60
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Previous history of DVT
- Use of contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Cancer or heart failure
- Presence of varicose veins
Certain situations can also temporarily increase the risk of DVT, such as:
- Recent hospitalization or surgery, especially with limited mobility
- Extended bed rest
- Long journeys (over 3 hours) by plane, car, or train
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth (within 6 weeks)
- Dehydration
Can DVT occur without any obvious risk factors?
Yes, in some cases, DVT can develop without any apparent cause. This underscores the importance of being vigilant about potential symptoms and seeking medical advice if concerns arise, regardless of known risk factors.
Diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis: The Path to Accurate Detection
If a healthcare provider suspects DVT, prompt referral for diagnostic testing is crucial. The primary diagnostic tools for DVT include:
- Ultrasound scan: This non-invasive imaging technique is typically the first-line diagnostic test. It uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in the veins and can detect clots with high accuracy.
- Venogram: In some cases, an X-ray of the vein may be performed. This procedure involves injecting a special dye into the vein to highlight the location of any blood clots.
While awaiting diagnostic confirmation, doctors may initiate treatment with blood-thinning medications like heparin as a precautionary measure, especially if the suspicion of DVT is high.
How quickly should a suspected DVT be evaluated?
Ideally, individuals with suspected DVT should be referred for an ultrasound scan within 24 hours of presenting symptoms. This rapid assessment is crucial for timely diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment.
Treatment Approaches for Deep Vein Thrombosis: Managing the Condition Effectively
The treatment of DVT aims to prevent the clot from growing, reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, and minimize the likelihood of recurrence. Common treatment strategies include:
- Anticoagulant medications: Blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin or rivaroxaban are typically prescribed for at least three months to prevent further clot formation.
- Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots or prevent their formation.
For pregnant women diagnosed with DVT, treatment usually involves anticoagulant injections throughout the pregnancy and for six weeks postpartum.
What is the duration of DVT treatment?
The duration of treatment can vary depending on individual factors and the underlying cause of DVT. While a minimum of three months of anticoagulation therapy is common, some patients may require longer-term or even lifelong treatment to prevent recurrence.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: Navigating Life After DVT
Recovery from DVT involves a combination of medical management and lifestyle adjustments. After hospital discharge, patients are typically encouraged to:
- Engage in regular walking to promote circulation
- Elevate the affected leg when sitting to reduce swelling
- Postpone long-distance travel for at least two weeks after starting anticoagulant therapy
These measures, combined with ongoing medical supervision, can help facilitate recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
How long does it take to recover from DVT?
Recovery time can vary significantly among individuals. While some people may experience symptom relief within a few weeks, others may have long-term effects. Consistent follow-up with healthcare providers and adherence to prescribed treatments are crucial for optimal recovery.
Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis: Proactive Measures for Reducing Risk
While not all cases of DVT can be prevented, several strategies can help reduce the risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise
- Stay physically active, incorporating regular walks into your routine
- Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids
- Avoid prolonged periods of immobility, especially during long journeys
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Are there specific precautions for long-distance travelers?
Yes, individuals embarking on journeys lasting 3 hours or more should take additional precautions:
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the journey
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Take regular breaks to walk and stretch when possible
- Consider wearing compression stockings, especially if at higher risk for DVT
DVT Prevention in Hospital Settings: Safeguarding High-Risk Patients
Healthcare facilities implement specific protocols to prevent DVT in hospitalized patients, particularly those undergoing surgery or with limited mobility. These preventive measures may include:
- Risk assessment upon admission to identify patients at higher risk for DVT
- Administration of prophylactic anticoagulant medications
- Use of mechanical compression devices to promote blood flow in the legs
- Early mobilization and physical therapy when appropriate
How effective are hospital-based DVT prevention strategies?
Implementation of comprehensive DVT prevention protocols in hospitals has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of venous thromboembolism. However, patient compliance and proper risk assessment remain crucial factors in the success of these preventive measures.
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and appropriate management. By understanding the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and implementing preventive strategies, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their health. Regular consultations with healthcare providers, especially for those at higher risk, can play a crucial role in early detection and effective treatment of DVT. Remember, while the condition can be life-threatening, timely intervention and proper care can lead to successful outcomes and improved quality of life.
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) – NHS
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg. DVT can be dangerous. Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.
Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg are:
- throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up
- swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
- warm skin around the painful area
- red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin
- swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them
These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.
Credit:
DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/440619/view
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), such as pain and swelling, and:
- breathlessness
- chest pain
DVT can be very serious because blood clots can travel to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism.
A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away.
Who is more likely to get DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
A DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is more likely to happen if you:
- are over 60
- are overweight
- smoke
- have had DVT before
- take the contraceptive pill or HRT
- have cancer or heart failure
- have varicose veins
There are also some times when you have a higher chance of getting DVT.
These include if you:
- are staying in or recently left hospital – especially if you cannot move around much (like after an operation)
- are confined to bed
- go on a long journey (more than 3 hours) by plane, car or train
- are pregnant or if you’ve had a baby in the previous 6 weeks
- are dehydrated
Sometimes DVT can happen for no obvious reason.
How DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is diagnosed
If a doctor thinks you have DVT (deep vein thrombosis), you should be referred to hospital within 24 hours for an ultrasound scan. The scan shows whether blood is flowing normally through the vein.
You may also have an X-ray of the vein (venogram). For this, you’ll be injected with a dye to show where the blood clot is.
Treatment of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
You may have an injection of a blood-thinning medicine called heparin while you’re waiting for an ultrasound scan to see if you have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
The main treatments include:
- blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin or rivaroxaban – you’ll probably need to take these for at least 3 months
- surgery to remove blood clots or stop them forming
If you get a DVT when you’re pregnant, you’ll have injections for the rest of the pregnancy and until your baby is 6 weeks old.
Recovery from DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
There are things you can do to help you recover from DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
After you leave hospital, you’ll be encouraged to:
- walk regularly
- keep your affected leg raised when you’re sitting
- delay any flights or long journeys until at least 2 weeks after you start taking blood-thinning medicine
How to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
There are things you can do to lower your chance of getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Do
stay a healthy weight
stay active – taking regular walks can help
drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – DVT is more likely if you’re dehydrated
Don’t
do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so
do not cross your legs while you’re sitting
do not smoke
do not drink lots of alcohol
Going on a long journey
If you’re travelling for 3 hours or more by plane, train or car, there are things you can do during the journey to lower your chances of getting DVT.
These include:
- wearing loose clothing
- drinking plenty of water
- avoiding alcohol
- walking around when possible
Going into hospital
If you go into hospital, your healthcare team should check if there’s a higher chance you’ll get DVT.
If they think you’re more likely to get DVT, you may be given treatment to prevent it, such as medicine or compression stockings (knee-high elastic socks that help your blood circulation), while you’re in hospital.
You may continue treatment after you leave hospital because a blood clot can happen weeks later.
You can also help protect yourself against DVT while you’re in hospital by:
- staying active and walking around if you can
- moving your toes (up and down) and ankles (in circles) if you have to stay in bed – your healthcare team may give you some exercises to do
Page last reviewed: 22 March 2023
Next review due: 22 March 2026
Symptoms in Legs, Lungs, and More
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
- Arms, Legs
- Heart
- Lungs
- Brain
- Belly
- Kidneys
- More
Ever get a paper cut or nick yourself while shaving? When that happens, a blood clot saves the day. It quickly stops the bleeding, and when it’s done its job, it usually breaks up. Sometimes, though, things can go wrong.
When blood clots don’t fall apart, they can be dangerous and lead to serious medical conditions. You can get them in blood vessels in just about any part of your body. They’re most likely to affect a leg, especially if you sit for long periods of time.
You might get a clot in your arteries, which carry oxygen in your blood from your heart to all the cells of your body. The result can be really serious. It can keep oxygen from getting to your heart, lungs, or brain, and cause a life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack or stroke.
You could also get a clot in the veins that carry blood back to your heart. When that happens, symptoms usually come on more gradually, but can still mean trouble.
If you learn the warning signs, you’re more likely to get quick medical help that can make a huge difference in keeping you out of the danger zone. But it’s important to know that in some cases, clots can happen with few symptoms or none at all. .
See More: Dos and Don’ts of a Blood Clot
When a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your arm or leg, way beneath your skin’s surface, it could be something called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s dangerous because the clot could travel to your heart or lungs.
You’re more likely to get a DVT if you haven’t moved around for a long time, say after surgery or during a long plane trip. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Swelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.
- Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets itchy.
- Pain. As the clot gets worse, you may hurt or get sore. The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm.
- Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
- Trouble breathing. If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.
- Lower leg cramp. If the clot is in your calf or lower leg, you may feel like you have a cramp or charley horse.
- Pitting edema. DVT can cause fluid buildup (edema) in the arms or legs. It typically happens quite quickly with DVT. When you press on the swollen area, it can cause a dimple or “pit” (pitting) that remains for a few seconds.
- Swollen, painful veins. The pain may increase with touch.
A blood clot that forms in or around your ticker may cause a heart attack. Watch out for symptoms like these:
- Severe pain in your chest and arm
- Sweating
- Trouble breathing
A blood clot in your lung usually starts out in a deep vein in your arm or leg, then breaks off and travels to your lung. When this happens, you get what’s called a pulmonary embolism, an extremely dangerous condition.
Get medical help right away if you:
- Feel short of breath or have problems breathing
- Get pain in your chest
- Start to cough
- Begin to sweat
- Feel dizzy
Blood clots here may be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels that bring blood to your brain. Or sometimes, they may form because of a blow to your head that leads to a concussion.
In other cases, a clot that starts out in a different part of your body, like your chest or neck, might enter your bloodstream and travel to your brain, where it can cause a stroke.
Watch out for these symptoms:
- Problems with your vision or speech
- A seizure
- General feeling of weakness
Blood clots can happen in the veins that drain blood from your intestines. They can be caused by conditions like diverticulitis or liver disease, or even by birth control pills.
How will you know if this is going on? Check with your doctor if you have problems like these:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe pain in your belly, which may be worse after you eat
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- A bloated feeling
A blood clot in your kidneys can keep them from removing waste from your body. That can cause high blood pressure or even kidney failure.
This is dangerous, so look out for these symptoms:
- Pain in the side of your belly, legs, or thighs
- Blood in your urine
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Sudden severe leg swelling
- Trouble breathing
Top Picks
Blood clots.
Signs Not to Ignore
Blood clots can basically be divided into two main groups – dormant clots and clots that travel through the body. When or while the clots are at rest, we speak of thrombosis. For example, deep vein thrombosis is known, which is usually associated with clots in the leg, but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the arm. On the other hand, we can also talk about embolism. This condition is characterized by the fact that the clot splits off and then moves through the body. When it comes to pulmonary embolism, it can be fatal.
Blood clots: symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.
Deep vein thrombosis is not necessarily associated with very obvious signs, so the problem can go unrecognized for quite some time, increasing the risk of more serious complications. One of the most typical symptoms is pain in the leg or arm in which a blood clot has formed, or increased sensitivity of this limb. Also, the condition is characterized by warm skin in the clot area. Some also observe swelling of the affected limb. In addition, the skin near the clot may turn red or turn purple. Symptoms characteristic of deep vein thrombosis are sometimes similar to the sensations that accompany a tense muscle. For example, those who are more active may mistake signs of deep vein thrombosis for a classic sports injury.
How to determine the risk of pulmonary embolism?
Even with deep vein thrombosis, it is necessary to be able to recognize it quickly and then take action as soon as possible. This is especially important if there is a risk of PE or if the blood clot travels to the lungs. One of the most common symptoms that occurs when a blood clot enters the lungs is chest pain accompanied by difficulty breathing, especially when trying to take a deep breath. At the same time, increased sweating may occur, accompanied by increased heart rate, fever, and a feeling of dizziness. However, sometimes the risk of pulmonary embolism is also indicated by blood-stained cough discharge. Therefore, if you notice any of these signs, or if a person near you has these signs, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Groups in which the risk of blood clots is particularly high.
Blood clots can occur for a variety of reasons and in almost anyone. However, there are groups of people in whom the risk of such complications is particularly high. Therefore, individuals at risk should pay special attention to any symptoms of blood clots. One of the increased risk factors is the use of oral hormonal contraceptives. There is also an increased risk of blood clots in pregnant women, smokers, overweight people, diabetics, people with chronic inflammatory diseases, and some cancer patients.
We can also talk about a higher likelihood of blood clots in older people, especially people over sixty. Lack of physical activity can also contribute to the risk of blood clots. Genetic factors may also be at the root – if blood clotting problems are very common in your family, then special care is required.
Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
- July 13, 2021
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling, but may be asymptomatic.
- Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
- Causes of deep vein thrombosis
- Risk factors
- DVT complications
- Thrombosis prophylaxis
DVT may be associated with diseases that affect the blood clotting process. A blood clot in your legs can also form if you don’t move for a long time, such as after surgery or an accident. But walking extremely long distances can lead to blood clots.
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition because blood clots in your veins can travel through the bloodstream and get stuck in your lungs, blocking blood flow (pulmonary embolism). However, pulmonary embolism may occur without evidence of DVT.
When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur at the same time, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of DVT:
- Swelling of the affected leg. In rare cases, swelling appears on both legs.
- Pain in the leg. The pain often starts in the calf and may feel like spasms or soreness.
- Red or discolored skin on the leg.
- Feeling of warmth in the affected leg.
Deep vein thrombosis may occur without noticeable symptoms.
When to see a doctor
If you have signs or symptoms of DVT, see your doctor.
If you have signs or symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis, seek emergency medical attention.
Call 103
Warning signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism include:
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Pain or discomfort in the chest that is aggravated by taking a deep breath or coughing.
- Feeling dizzy or dizzy or fainting
- Rapid pulse
- Fast breathing
- Cough with blood
Suspect deep vein thrombosis? Contact the professionals.
Causes
Anything that interferes with the normal flow or clotting of blood can cause blood clots.
The main causes of DVT are damage to the vein due to surgery or trauma, and due to inflammation from infection or trauma.
Risk factors
Many factors can increase the risk of developing DVT, which include:
- Age. The risk of DVT increases at age 60, although it can occur at any age.
- Sitting for long periods of time, such as while driving or flying. When your legs remain motionless for several hours, your calf muscles do not contract. Muscle contractions promote blood circulation.
- Prolonged bed rest, such as during a long hospital stay or paralysis. Blood clots can form in the calves if the calf muscles are not used for a long time.
- Injury or surgery. Injury to the veins or surgery may increase the risk of blood clots.
- Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited bleeding disorder are at particular risk. The risk of blood clots as a result of pregnancy may remain up to six weeks after the baby is born.
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) or hormone replacement therapy. Both factors can increase the blood’s ability to clot.
- Exposure to drugs or chemicals. Certain drugs may cause blood clots. Before use, consult your doctor.
- Overweight or obese. Excess weight increases pressure in the veins of the pelvis and legs.
- Smoking. Smoking affects clotting and circulation, which may increase the risk of DVT.
- Cancer. Some forms of cancer increase blood levels of substances that cause blood clotting. Some forms of cancer treatment also increase the risk of blood clots.
- Heart failure. Increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Because people with heart failure have limited heart and lung function, symptoms caused by even a small pulmonary embolism are more noticeable.
- Inflammatory bowel disease. Bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, increases the risk of DVT.
- Personal or family history of DVT or PE. If you or someone in your family has had one or both of these, you may be at greater risk of developing DVT.
- Genetics. Some people inherit genetic risk factors or disorders, such as factor V Leiden, that make their blood clot more easily. The hereditary disease itself may not cause blood clots unless it is combined with one or more other risk factors.
- Risk factor unknown. Sometimes a blood clot in a vein can occur without an obvious underlying risk factor. This is called unprovoked VTE.
Complications
DVT complications may include:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE). PE is a potentially life-threatening complication associated with DVT. This happens when a blood vessel in your lung is blocked by a clot that travels to your lung from another part of your body, usually your leg.
If you have signs and symptoms of PE, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain when inhaling or coughing, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, feeling weak or faint, and coughing up blood can occur with PE. - Post-phlebitic syndrome. Damage to the veins by a thrombus reduces blood flow to the affected areas, causing leg pain and swelling, skin discoloration and skin ulcers.
- Complications of treatment.