Can leg cramps lead to blood clots. What are the symptoms and causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). How does DVT differ from other conditions with similar symptoms. What are the risk factors for developing DVT.

Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the legs. While leg cramps alone do not cause blood clots, they can be a symptom of DVT. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of DVT is crucial for early detection and treatment.

Common Symptoms of DVT

• Unequal swelling in one leg
• Pain or tenderness when standing or walking
• Warmth in the affected area
• Red or discolored skin

Is DVT always symptomatic? Interestingly, about half of the people with DVT may not experience any signs. This silent nature of the condition makes it particularly dangerous, as a clot could break off and travel to the lungs without warning.

Risk Factors for DVT

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing DVT:

1. Injury to a vein
2. Prolonged immobilization
3. Paralysis
4. Hormonal factors (birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy)
5. Chronic diseases (heart disease, lung disease, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases)
6. Family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
7. Obesity
8. Surgery
9. Inherited blood clotting disorders

Do these risk factors guarantee the development of DVT? While they increase the likelihood, not everyone with these risk factors will develop DVT. However, being aware of them can help in taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical attention.

Pulmonary Embolism: A Life-Threatening Complication of DVT

A pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a blood clot from DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Warning Signs of Pulmonary Embolism

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath
• Coughing up blood
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing

How quickly should one seek medical help for these symptoms? If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. Prompt treatment can be life-saving in cases of pulmonary embolism.

Differentiating DVT from Similar Conditions

Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of DVT, making accurate diagnosis challenging. Understanding these conditions can help in seeking appropriate medical care.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become hard and narrow due to plaque buildup. Unlike DVT, which affects veins, PAD affects arteries.

Symptoms of PAD:

• Pain, numbness, or heaviness in legs when walking
• Cramps in feet, legs, or buttocks
• Non-healing sores on feet or legs
• Pale or bluish-colored skin
• Temperature difference between legs

Is PAD as urgent as DVT? While PAD isn’t typically a medical emergency like DVT can be, it’s still a serious condition that requires medical attention. Left untreated, PAD can lead to complications like gangrene and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear close to the skin’s surface. They differ from DVT in several ways:

• Visible on the skin’s surface (unlike DVT, which occurs in deep veins)
• Rarely lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism
• Often cause cosmetic concerns rather than medical emergencies

Can varicose veins ever be dangerous? While generally not serious, severe cases of varicose veins can lead to complications like ulcers or blood clots. However, these surface-level clots are different from the deep vein clots in DVT and are less likely to cause pulmonary embolism.

Spider Veins

Spider veins are smaller versions of varicose veins, affecting capillaries close to the skin’s surface. They appear as web-like or branching patterns, usually blue or reddish in color.

Are spider veins a sign of underlying vascular problems? Generally, spider veins are cosmetic concerns and don’t indicate serious vascular issues. However, they can sometimes be a sign of venous insufficiency, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Inflammatory Conditions Mimicking DVT Symptoms

Some inflammatory conditions can present symptoms similar to DVT, but their underlying causes and treatments differ significantly.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can cause symptoms similar to DVT:

• Redness and swelling
• Warm and tender skin
• Pain in the affected area

How can one distinguish cellulitis from DVT? Unlike DVT, cellulitis often comes with additional symptoms such as fever, chills, and skin changes like bumps or sores. If you suspect cellulitis, seek medical attention promptly as it can become serious if left untreated.

Vasculitis

Vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels that can affect various parts of the body, including the legs. It’s often associated with autoimmune disorders.

Key Points About Vasculitis:

• Can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes in affected areas
• May present with systemic symptoms like fever and fatigue
• Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying autoimmune condition

Why is accurate diagnosis of vasculitis important? Distinguishing vasculitis from DVT is crucial because their treatments differ significantly. Misdiagnosis could lead to inappropriate treatment and potential complications.

Vascular Emergencies: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While DVT is a serious condition, there are other vascular emergencies that require immediate medical intervention.

Acute Arterial Occlusion

This condition occurs when an artery is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot or severe atherosclerosis.

Symptoms of Acute Arterial Occlusion:

• Sudden, severe pain in the affected limb
• Paleness or blue discoloration of the limb
• Coldness in the affected area
• Loss of pulse in the affected limb
• Numbness or paralysis

How urgent is treatment for acute arterial occlusion? This condition is a true medical emergency. Immediate treatment is necessary to restore blood flow and prevent tissue death, which could lead to amputation if left untreated.

Necrotizing Fasciitis

Often referred to as “flesh-eating disease,” necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but severe bacterial infection that spreads rapidly through the body’s soft tissues.

Early Signs of Necrotizing Fasciitis:

• Severe pain that seems out of proportion to visible skin changes
• Fever and chills
• Redness or swelling that spreads quickly
• Skin that feels warm to the touch

Why is early recognition of necrotizing fasciitis critical? This condition can progress extremely rapidly, leading to tissue death and life-threatening complications within hours. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, including surgical intervention and antibiotics, are crucial for survival.

Systemic Conditions with Leg Swelling: Beyond Vascular Issues

Sometimes, leg swelling that mimics DVT symptoms can be a sign of systemic conditions affecting the entire body.

Nephrotic Syndrome

This kidney disorder causes the body to excrete too much protein in the urine, leading to fluid retention and swelling.

Characteristics of Nephrotic Syndrome:

• Swelling in legs, ankles, and sometimes face
• Foamy urine due to excess protein
• Fatigue and loss of appetite
• Increased risk of blood clots, including DVT

How does nephrotic syndrome increase the risk of DVT? The loss of proteins in urine can lead to changes in blood composition, increasing its tendency to clot. This makes people with nephrotic syndrome more susceptible to DVT and other clotting disorders.

Congestive Heart Failure

When the heart can’t pump blood effectively, fluid can build up in the body, often causing swelling in the legs and ankles.

Signs of Congestive Heart Failure:

• Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Fatigue and weakness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Can congestive heart failure be mistaken for DVT? Yes, the leg swelling in heart failure can sometimes be mistaken for DVT. However, heart failure typically affects both legs equally and is often accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue.

Lymphatic System Disorders and Leg Swelling

Issues with the lymphatic system can also lead to symptoms that may be confused with DVT.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.

Characteristics of Lymphedema:

• Swelling that usually affects one limb
• Heaviness or tightness in the affected limb
• Restricted range of motion
• Recurring infections in the affected area

How does lymphedema differ from DVT-related swelling? Unlike DVT, lymphedema typically develops gradually and doesn’t cause the warmth or redness often associated with blood clots. The swelling in lymphedema also tends to be more generalized in the affected limb.

Venous Stasis

Venous stasis occurs when blood flow in the veins is sluggish, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.

Signs of Venous Stasis:

• Swelling in legs and ankles
• Skin discoloration, often brownish
• Itching or burning sensation
• Hardening of the skin over time

Is venous stasis a precursor to DVT? While venous stasis itself isn’t DVT, it can increase the risk of developing blood clots. The slow blood flow associated with venous stasis creates conditions favorable for clot formation.

Acute Conditions Requiring Immediate Attention

Some acute conditions can present with symptoms similar to DVT but require different and often urgent interventions.

Acute Compartment Syndrome

This is a painful condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, potentially leading to permanent muscle and nerve damage.

Symptoms of Acute Compartment Syndrome:

• Severe pain, often out of proportion to the injury
• Tightness or fullness in the affected limb
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the affected muscles

Why is rapid diagnosis of compartment syndrome crucial? Acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency. Without prompt treatment to relieve the pressure, it can lead to permanent tissue damage and loss of limb function.

Superficial Thrombophlebitis

This condition involves inflammation of superficial veins, often accompanied by clot formation.

Characteristics of Superficial Thrombophlebitis:

• Redness and tenderness along a vein
• Warmth in the affected area
• A cord-like structure that can be felt under the skin
• Mild swelling

How does superficial thrombophlebitis differ from DVT? While both conditions involve blood clots, superficial thrombophlebitis affects veins close to the skin’s surface and is generally less serious than DVT. However, in some cases, it can progress to involve deeper veins, so medical evaluation is important.

Understanding the various conditions that can mimic DVT symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While leg cramps alone do not cause blood clots, they can be a symptom of DVT or other vascular conditions. If you experience persistent leg pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Healthcare professionals can perform the necessary tests to distinguish between DVT and other conditions, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care for your specific situation.

4 Conditions With Similar Symptoms to DVT

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Varicose Veins
• Spider Veins
• Cellulitis
• Vasculitis
• Acute Arterial Occlusion
• Necrotizing Fasciitis
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Congestive Heart Failure
• Lymphedema
• Venous Stasis
• Acute Compartment Syndrome
• Superficial Thrombophlebitis
• More

You may have DVT, deep vein thrombosis, if you notice that one limb is swollen, painful, warm, and red. But many other things can cause similar symptoms. Some of them, like minor cuts, fractures, or sprains, are relatively harmless, and others are more serious. You’ll need to see a doctor to find out what’s going on and what treatment is needed. Learn about some of these conditions below.

You can get DVT at any age, and several things can cause it. Some of them are:

• Injury to a vein
• Anything that immobilizes you, such as bed rest, hospitalization, recovery from an injury
• Paralysis
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Pregnancy
• Chronic diseases like heart disease, lung disease, cancer, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis
• Family history of DVT or pulmonary embolism
• Obesity
• Surgery
• A blood clotting disease that you inherit

DVT normally affects just one leg. Symptoms include:

• Unequal swelling, where one leg is larger than the other
• Pain or tenderness when you stand or walk
• Warmth
• Red or discolored skin

About half of people who get DVT won’t have any signs. You may not know you have a clot unless a piece of it breaks off and travels to your lung. That’s a medical emergency called a pulmonary embolism. Call 911 right away if you have:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain when you take a deep breath
• Coughing up blood
• Racing heart rate
• Rapid breathing

You get this when the arteries in your legs become hard and narrow. In PAD, plaque builds up in the arteries. Over time, it can block blood flow to your arms and legs. When this condition affects veins instead of arteries, it’s called peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

Some of the symptoms are:

• Pain, numbness, aching, or heaviness in your legs when you walk
• Cramps in your feet, leg, or butt
• Sores or wounds on your feet or legs that don’t get better
• Pale or bluish-colored skin
• One leg feels cooler than the other.

PAD isn’t a medical emergency, but lack of blood flow to your legs can cause serious problems like gangrene. That’s when the tissue in your leg dies.

You’ll also have a greater risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. But when you make changes to manage your condition, you’ll lower your chances of getting those, too. The same risks that lead to heart attacks and strokes also cause PAD. They include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Unlike DVT, these appear just beneath the surface of your skin. You get them when the valves inside your veins become weak or damaged. Normally, the valves help blood flow to your heart. When they don’t work right, blood pools inside your veins. They swell and become large and rope-like. That’s another difference from DVT — the surface-level clots that come with varicose veins are uncommon and don’t usually break free and travel to your lungs. When DVTs do this, it’s called a pulmonary embolism, and it can be fatal.

If you have varicose veins, you’ll notice:

• Swollen ankles and feet
• Throbbing or cramping in your legs
• Itchy lower legs or ankles
• Achy, painful legs
• Heaviness in your legs

Varicose veins aren’t serious. Talk to your doctor about treatments.

These are a smaller type of varicose veins. They affect your capillaries, the smallest blood vessels in your body.

You’re most likely to get these on your legs or face. They look like a spider web or the branches on a tree. They’re usually a blue or reddish color. You may not like how they look, but they don’t cause any medical problems.

And because they’re like varicose veins, spider veins also differ from DVT because they’re close to the surface and don’t tend to break free and move into your lungs.

Here, bacteria infect the skin. The first signs can mirror DVT, with skin that’s red, swollen, warm, and sensitive to the touch. Other possible symptoms, like chills, fever, nausea, drowsiness, and trouble thinking, are less likely in DVT. The same goes for the red streaks, bumps, or sores that might appear on your skin.

Get care right away if you notice these signs, because it can be very serious if you don’t treat it.

It’s inflammation of the blood vessels. This can lessen essential blood flow to your organs and other tissue. There are almost 20 versions of the disease, but all seem to happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue (autoimmune disease). Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, though possible triggers appear to include genes, medication, infection, environment, allergies, and other illnesses.

Symptoms vary by person and the type of disease, but may include:

• Rashes or skin lesions (more than just the swelling and darkening in DVT)
• Pain: Aches in your muscles, belly, joints, or head (uncommon in DVT except in affected limb)
• Lack of appetite and weight loss (uncommon in DVT)
• Tiredness and fever (uncommon in DVT)
• Blurry vision, eye pain, and redness (uncommon in DVT)
• Ear or sinus problems that don’t go away (uncommon in DVT)
• Shortness of breath and coughing (could cough up blood)
• Tingling, numbness, weakness, and nerve pain (neuropathy) (uncommon in DVT)
• Bloody or dark-colored urine (could be kidney problems) (uncommon in DVT)

It means a blocked artery, and it typically happens in a previously open blood vessel that shows signs of plaque (atherosclerosis) or other damage, or that doctors previously repaired with a stent or graft.

The artery becomes blocked in one of two ways:

• It slowly narrows to a close as plaque builds up
• Tiny networks of blood vessels in the plaqued walls of an artery tear, and the blood and fluid form a clot.

Symptoms include:

• Pain in the affected limb gets gradually worse and spreads slowly toward the trunk of your body. (DVT pain tends to center on thrombosis.)
• The skin of the limb is typically cool to the touch. (DVT typically warms the skin.)
• Skin looks pale and patchy because of lack of blood supply to the skin’s surface. (DVT typically reddens skin.)
• Skin can blister as the condition worsens. (uncommon in DVT)
• You and your doctor may not be able to feel a normal pulse in the affected limb. (uncommon in DVT)
• Burning or prickling sensation, typically in the legs, feet, hand or arms (possible, but uncommon, in DVT)

Also known as “flesh-eating disease,” it’s a life-threatening infection that spreads quickly and kills the body’s soft tissue (muscle, fat, and tissue connecting muscle to bone). Injury or surgery can create a break in the skin that may lead to infection if the right bacteria are around.

If you’re healthy, have a strong immune system you’re unlikely to get it. It’s treated with antibiotics through a vein, along with surgical removal of infected tissue. Early symptoms can include:

• An area of skin where redness, warmth, or swelling spreads quickly
• Serious pain, including beyond the skin obviously affected
• Fever (uncommon in DVT)

Later symptoms might include:

• Changes in skin color
• Blisters or black spots on skin (uncommon in DVT)
• Liquid or pus oozing from sores (uncommon in DVT)
• Tiredness, dizziness, diarrhea, or nausea

It’s a kidney illness that causes your body to pass too much protein when you pee. It’s typically due to damage to the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys (glomeruli) that filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. A number of conditions can cause this damage, including diabetic kidney disease, amyloidosis, glomerulosclerosis, and lupus. Typical symptoms include:

• Swelling from fluid buildup (edema), especially around ankles, feet, and eyes, often on both sides (instead of just one in DVT)
• Foamy urine, a result of excess protein in your urine (uncommon in DVT)
• Weight gain due to fluid retention (uncommon in DVT)
• Tiredness (uncommon in DVT)
• Loss of appetite (uncommon in DVT)

Heart failure means the heart doesn’t pump as well as it should. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a type that happens when blood flows too slowly out of the heart. This causes a backup of the blood trying to return to the heart and lungs for more oxygen.

The pressure causes a buildup of fluid (edema) that can collect, most often in the legs and ankles, but other areas as well. CHF also could increase the work of your kidneys, which often leads to edema. The swelling could mirror DVT, but it typically happens in both legs instead of just one as in DVT.

Fluid that collects in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can cause shortness of breath that mirrors the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism that can happen with DVT. Symptoms typically worsen when you lie down.

It typically happens when doctors remove or damage one or more of your lymph nodes — small glands that help get rid of fluid, waste, and germs — as part of cancer treatment. This stops fluid from draining, and that causes arms, legs, feet, and other areas to swell. There’s no cure, but your doctor can help you manage it with movement exercises, massage, and bandages that push on swollen areas.

As with DVT, lymphedema often causes swelling or tightness in all or part of an affected limb. Also like DVT, symptoms are sometimes so mild that you don’t notice. Unlike DVT, the swelling can often include your fingers or toes. Other symptoms include:

• A feeling of heaviness in affected legs (uncommon in DVT)
• A hard time moving as freely
• A general aching or discomfort (DVT pain tends to center on a specific area)
• Infections that repeat (uncommon in DVT)
• Skin that hardens and thickens (fibrosis)

It’s when blood pools in the veins. It happens when the valves in your veins stop working properly, so the blood moves backward and collects. This pushes fluid into nearby tissue, which can cause swelling and irritation that looks like DVT. Over time, this inflammation can start to break down tissue and lead to sores or “ulcers” on the surface of the skin (uncommon in DVT).

You may feel full, achy, and tired in your legs, and it may get worse when you stand. You also might notice varicose veins on the skin of your legs.

Your muscles group together in your arm, leg, hand, or foot, along with blood vessels and nerves. Each group is enclosed in tissue (fascia), and together, they make up a “compartment.”

When the pressure builds up inside one of these compartments, it can cause swelling and tenderness that mirror symptoms of DVT. Unlike DVT, acute compartment syndrome typically happens soon after a sudden injury like a fracture. Other possible causes include a serious burn that scars skin or surgery to repair a blocked blood vessel. You may also notice:

• Tightness in affected muscle
• Intense pain, especially if you stretch muscle (more than expected for injury)
• Tingling or burning feeling
• Numbness or weakness (may be signs of permanent damage)

Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency and requires treatment right away.

This happens when a blood clot forms in a vein just under your skin. If you have it, you may have:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Warmth
• Redness

These symptoms are much like those of DVT, but unlike a DVT, it happens close to the surface, not deep within your body.

About 20% of people who have this condition also get a blood clot in their leg. Call your doctor if you notice anything unusual. They’ll check to see what’s going on.

Top Picks

Leg Problems, Noninjury – Health Information Library

Do you have a leg problem?

This includes symptoms like pain, numbness, and trouble moving the leg normally.

Yes

Leg problem

No

Leg problem

How old are you?

Less than 5 years

Less than 5 years

5 years or older

5 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Male

Female

Female

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Have you injured the leg in the past month?

Yes

Leg injury in the past month

No

Leg injury in the past month

Have you had surgery on the leg in the past month?

If a cast, splint, or brace is causing the problem, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Leg surgery in the past month

No

Leg surgery in the past month

Has sudden, severe weakness or severe numbness affected the whole leg or the whole foot?

Weakness is being unable to use the leg or foot normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same thing as weakness.

Yes

Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole leg or foot

No

Severe or sudden numbness or weakness in the whole leg or foot

When did it start?

Think about when you first noticed the weakness or numbness or when you first noticed a major change in the symptoms.

Less than 4 hours ago

Numbness or weakness began less than 4 hours ago

From 4 hours to 2 days (48 hours) ago

Numbness or weakness began from 4 to less than 48 hours ago

From 2 days to 2 weeks ago

Numbness or weakness began 2 days to 2 weeks ago

More than 2 weeks ago

Numbness or weakness began more than 2 weeks ago

Do you still have any weakness or numbness?

Weakness or numbness that does not go away may be more serious.

Yes

Numbness or weakness is now present

No

Numbness or weakness is now present

Has the weakness or numbness:

Gotten worse?

Numbness or weakness is getting worse

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Numbness or weakness is unchanged

Gotten better?

Numbness or weakness is improving

Is the leg blue, very pale, or cold and different from the other leg?

If the leg is in a cast, splint, or brace, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Leg is blue, very pale, or cold and different from other leg

No

Leg is blue, very pale, or cold and different from other leg

Is there any leg pain?

Yes

Leg pain

No

Leg pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

Signs of pain in a baby or toddler are different than signs of pain in an older child.

5 to 10: Moderate to severe pain

Moderate to severe pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is increasing

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is improving

Is there a new limp?

Yes

New limp

No

New limp

Do you have any pain in your leg?

Yes

Leg pain

No

Leg pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

How long has the pain lasted?

Less than 2 full days (48 hours)

Pain less than 2 days

2 days to 2 weeks

Pain 2 days to 2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

Pain more than 2 weeks

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is getting worse

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is getting better

Do you think the problem may be causing a fever?

Some bone and joint problems can cause a fever.

Yes

Possible fever

No

Possible fever

Are there any symptoms of infection?

Yes

Symptoms of infection

No

Symptoms of infection

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Yes

Red streaks or pus

No

Red streaks or pus

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Are you having trouble moving the leg?

Pain and swelling can limit movement.

Yes

Difficulty moving leg

No

Difficulty moving leg

Is it very hard to move or somewhat hard to move?

“Very hard” means you can’t move it at all in any direction without causing severe pain. “Somewhat hard” means you can move it at least a little, though you may have some pain when you do it.

Very hard

Very hard to move

Somewhat hard

Somewhat hard to move

How long have you had trouble moving the leg?

Less than 2 days (48 hours)

Difficulty moving leg for less than 2 days

2 days to 2 weeks

Difficulty moving leg for 2 days to less than 2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

Difficulty moving leg for more than 2 weeks

Has the loss of movement been:

Getting worse?

Difficulty moving is getting worse

Staying about the same (not better or worse)?

Difficulty moving is unchanged

Getting better?

Difficulty moving is improving

Do you have any new shortness of breath or chest pain?

When this occurs with swelling or deep pain in one leg, it can be a symptom of a blood clot that has moved from the leg to the lung.

Yes

Shortness of breath or chest pain

No

Shortness of breath or chest pain

Is there any swelling?

Yes

Swelling

No

Swelling

Have you been urinating a lot less than usual lately?

Yes

Decreased urination

No

Decreased urination

Is the swelling getting worse (over hours or days)?

Yes

Swelling is getting worse

No

Swelling is getting worse

Do you think a medicine could be causing the leg problem?

Yes

Medicine may be causing leg problem

No

Medicine may be causing leg problem

Do you have pain, redness, or bleeding along a varicose vein?

Yes

Pain, redness, or bleeding along a varicose vein

No

Pain, redness, or bleeding along a varicose vein

Have you had leg symptoms for more than 2 weeks?

Yes

Symptoms for more than 2 weeks

No

Symptoms for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Pain in children 3 years and older

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child’s normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

When an area turns blue, very pale, or cold, it can mean that there has been a sudden change in the blood supply to the area. This can be serious.

There are other reasons for color and temperature changes. Bruises often look blue. A limb may turn blue or pale if you leave it in one position for too long, but its normal color returns after you move it. What you are looking for is a change in how the area looks (it turns blue or pale) and feels (it becomes cold to the touch), and this change does not go away.

Some medicines can cause leg problems. A few examples are:

• Birth control pills and estrogen. These can increase the risk of blood clots in the leg, which may cause pain or swelling.
• Calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure. These can cause leg swelling.
• Diuretics. These can cause leg cramps.
• Fluoroquinolones. These can increase the risk for tendinitis or tendon rupture.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Leg Injuries

Postoperative Problems

Why thrombosis occurs: bad eating habits – March 25, 2022

Office workers should do exercises to prevent venous stasis in the lower extremities

Photo: Depositphotos.com

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Old age, infections, including COVID-19, sedentary image of life – all of these are considered risk factors for the development of thrombosis, says Dr. Peter. They began to write and talk a lot about this dangerous diagnosis after the coronavirus pandemic covered the world, because blood clots are one of the most common complications after an illness. It is impossible to underestimate the danger of thrombosis: we have already written more than once about people who have lost their legs or arms due to a blood clot or other complications after an illness. Not to mention the fact that a detached blood clot can provoke a heart attack or stroke.

How exactly do blood clots form? Who is at risk? What symptoms should alert? We deal with experts.

Irina Yasnova — cardiologist, specialist of the SOGAZ MEDICINE group of clinics.

— Thrombi form when certain parts of the blood clot to form a semi-solid mass. This process can begin due to injury or if the integrity of the inner wall of the vessel is broken, the blood flow slows down, it becomes more viscous, explains Irina Yasnova.

The main danger of a blood clot is that, having come off the vessel, it can clog an artery that supplies blood to vital organs – the heart or brain. Because of this, a person may suffer from an ischemic stroke or heart attack.

There are 2 main types of thrombosis:

• venous thrombosis – when a blood clot blocks a vein;
• arterial thrombosis – when a blood clot blocks an artery.

Some chronic diseases greatly increase the risk of blood clots, a cardiologist warns. These include:

• atherosclerosis;
• arrhythmia;
• heart failure;
• obesity;
• smoking;
• stroke;
• physical inactivity;
• diabetes;
• high blood pressure.

Blood clots can also appear in people who rarely go in for sports, move little and sit a lot – this primarily concerns office workers and those who constantly drive. To avoid life-threatening pathology, accustom yourself to simple exercises. They will not take much time, but they will definitely be useful.

“Try doing exercises to prevent venous stasis in the lower extremities: bend your knees, unbend your toes, roll from heel to toe, as well as circular movements with your lower leg,” explained Irina Yasnova.

Blood clots can appear in those who rarely go in for sports and generally move little. Specialist of the National Agency for Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy (NAKFF Clinic).

When a thrombus forms in the cavity of the heart or in the lumen of blood vessels, the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessel, is damaged. A person begins hypercoagulability or increased blood clotting, followed by blood stasis – a violation of its movement.

How to tell if you have a blood clot:

• you suddenly feel short of breath;
• you suffer from swelling in your legs or arms;
• sudden pain in the lower limbs;
• began to suffer from cramps in the legs;
• the color or temperature of the skin in a certain area has changed;
• pain in the abdomen;
• you suffer from sudden attacks of nausea or vomiting.

– After surgery, viral infections, hypothermia or severe injuries, it is worth remembering that for some time you are at risk – these four factors can also affect the formation of blood clots. It is also worth carefully monitoring their health for women who take hormonal contraceptives, people with high blood cholesterol, kidney disease and a history of oncology, the cardiologist explained.

The problem of blood clots can be caused by poor dietary habits.

There is a lot of fat

For example, blood clots can appear in people who are used to carbohydrate or fatty foods. Undoubtedly, potatoes, corn, rice, flour can be present in our diet. The main thing is not to get involved in such food. Dilute the menu with protein and fiber, do not forget about fresh vegetables and fruits.

— Excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar, which are found in considerable amounts in sauces, semi-finished products and low-fat foods, is dangerous, — the cardiologist explained.

Passionate about baking and cookies

Another popular product, margarine, can also provoke a dangerous pathology. It contains a large amount of trans fats that thicken the blood. Many people add it to baking dough or buy ready-made buns and cookies. Teach yourself to always carefully read the composition of the product, and if you decide to bake something at home, then try to find a dough recipe that does not contain margarine.

There are sausage sandwiches

Another dangerous product is smoked sausages, beloved by many. They contain a lot of “bad” cholesterol, which provokes the formation of plaques, which over time can lead to blood clots. Even a seemingly “harmless” sandwich can be dangerous if you eat it every day for breakfast. Try to replace smoked meats with boiled meat, chicken breast, natural ham.

Constantly limit yourself in food

Blood clots are more likely to affect people who are constantly dieting. The removal of excess fluid from the body is the basis of diets, this is where dehydration of the body begins and, as a result, thickening of the blood.

Often there is a liver

– I would like to single out pork and beef liver as a separate item. These foods contain a lot of K vitamins, which have a bad effect on blood clotting and increase the likelihood of blood clots. Therefore, they should also be limited, the doctor says.

Pro vitamin K

Vitamin K is one of the most essential trace elements in our body. It plays an important role in blood clotting, providing protein synthesis, so that our body, if necessary, can prevent severe blood loss. For example, during an injury or surgery.

The most important symptom that can indicate vitamin K deficiency is severe bleeding. Some people, for example, may have frequent nosebleeds. However, an excess of this vitamin can be just as dangerous as a deficiency: a very large number of people have a predisposition to varicose veins, increased blood clotting, and even a small excess of vitamin K can lead to global problems.

Do not take this vitamin supplement unless directed by a doctor. And so that there is no deficiency in the body, do not forget about grapes, raw carrots, cashews, olive oil, pomegranate juice, broccoli, leafy greens, spinach.

The first thing to consider is the family predisposition to thrombosis. If someone close to you suffered from this pathology, then it will not be superfluous for you to check with a specialist, to assess the risks of developing thrombophilia.

Thrombophilia is the most common type of coagulation disorder (blood clotting), characterized by the body’s predisposition to the formation of blood clots. The disease is considered the main cause of deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, stroke and other dangerous pathologies.

You should also follow simple but effective rules: do not forget about sports and walks, try to walk as often as possible, watch your weight, give up bad habits.

Some people prefer to wear compression stockings. For example, sales assistants who spend all day on their feet are saved from puffiness by compression stockings. But it’s not worth it just to buy such underwear. Talk to your doctor, you may be suitable for other methods of prevention.

Named eating habits that lead to the formation of blood clots

• Health

Blood clots formed inside the lumen of the veins can come off at any second. One of the reasons for their appearance is our seemingly harmless daily habits.

March 17, 2022

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Older age, infections including COVID-19, and a sedentary lifestyle are all considered risk factors for thrombosis. They began to write and talk a lot about this dangerous diagnosis after the coronavirus pandemic covered the world, because blood clots are one of the most common complications after an illness. It is impossible to underestimate the danger of thrombosis: we have already written more than once about people who have lost their legs or arms due to a blood clot or other complications after an illness. Not to mention the fact that a detached blood clot can provoke a heart attack or stroke.

How exactly do blood clots form? Who is at risk? What symptoms should alert? We deal with experts.

How they appear

“Clots form when certain parts of the blood clot to form a semi-solid mass. This process can begin due to an injury or if the integrity of the inner wall of the vessel is broken, the blood flow slows down, it becomes more viscous,” explains Irina Yasnova.

The main danger of a thrombus is that, having come off the vessel, it can clog the artery that supplies blood to vital organs – the heart or brain. Because of this, a person may suffer from an ischemic stroke or heart attack.

There are 2 main types of thrombosis:

Read also

Diseases that increase the risk

Some chronic diseases significantly increase the risk of thrombosis, a cardiologist warns. These include:

Blood clots can also appear in people who rarely play sports, move little and sit a lot – this primarily concerns office workers and those who constantly drive. To avoid life-threatening pathology, accustom yourself to simple exercises. They will not take much time, but they will definitely be useful.

“Try doing exercises to prevent venous stasis in the lower extremities: bend your knees, straighten your toes, roll from heel to toe, and also circle movements with your lower leg,” explained Irina Yasnova.

Alarm bells

When a thrombus forms in the cavity of the heart or in the lumen of blood vessels, the endothelium, the inner lining of the blood vessel, is damaged. A person begins hypercoagulability or increased blood clotting, followed by blood stasis – a violation of its movement.

How to tell if you have a blood clot:

• you suddenly feel short of breath;

• you suffer from swelling in your legs or arms;

• sudden pain in the lower limbs;

• began to suffer from cramps in the legs;

• the color or temperature of the skin in a certain area has changed;

• pain in the abdomen;

• you suffer from sudden attacks of nausea or vomiting.

« After operations, viral infections, hypothermia or severe injuries, it is worth remembering that for some time you are at risk – these four factors can also affect the formation of blood clots. It is also worth carefully monitoring their health for women who take hormonal contraceptives, people with high blood cholesterol, kidney disease and a history of oncology, ”explained the cardiologist.

See also

What habits can cause thrombosis

The problem of blood clots can be caused by wrong eating habits.

There is a lot of fatty foods

For example, blood clots may occur in people who are accustomed to carbohydrate or fatty foods. Undoubtedly, potatoes, corn, rice, flour can be present in our diet. The main thing is not to get involved in such food. Dilute the menu with protein and fiber, do not forget about fresh vegetables and fruits.

“It is dangerous to overconsume simple carbohydrates and sugar , which are found in considerable amounts in sauces, convenience foods and low-fat foods,” the cardiologist explained.

Get carried away with pastries and cookies

Another popular product can also provoke a dangerous pathology – margarine . It contains a large amount of trans fats that thicken the blood. Many people add it to baking dough or buy ready-made buns and cookies. Teach yourself to always carefully read the composition of the product, and if you decide to bake something at home, then try to find a dough recipe that does not contain margarine.

There are sausage sandwiches

Another dangerous product is smoked sausages, beloved by many . They are high in “bad” cholesterol, which promotes plaque formation, which can lead to blood clots over time. Even a seemingly “harmless” sandwich can be dangerous if you eat it every day for breakfast. Try to replace smoked meats with boiled meat, chicken breast, natural ham.

See also

Constantly limit yourself in food

Blood clots are more common in people who constantly diet. The removal of excess fluid from the body is the basis of diets, this is where dehydration of the body begins and, as a result, thickening of the blood.

We often eat liver

“I would like to single out pork and beef liver as a separate item. These foods contain a lot of K vitamins, which have a bad effect on blood clotting and increase the likelihood of blood clots. Therefore, they should also be limited, ”the doctor says.

Pro vitamin K

Vitamin K is one of the most essential trace elements in our body. It plays an important role in blood coagulation , providing protein synthesis, so that our body can prevent severe blood loss if necessary. For example, during an injury or surgery.

The most important symptom that can indicate vitamin K deficiency is severe bleeding . Some, for example, may have frequent nosebleeds. However, an excess of this vitamin can be just as dangerous as a deficiency: a very large number of people have a predisposition to varicose veins, increased blood clotting, and even a small excess of vitamin K can lead to global problems.

Do not take this vitamin supplement unless directed by a doctor. And that there is no deficiency in the body, do not forget about grapes, raw carrots, cashews, olive oil, pomegranate juice, broccoli, leafy greens, spinach.

Prevention of thrombosis

The first thing to consider is the family predisposition to thrombosis. If someone close to you suffered from this pathology, then it will not be superfluous for you to check with a specialist, to assess the risks of developing thrombophilia.

Thrombophilia – is the most common type of coagulation disorder (blood clotting), characterized by the body’s predisposition to the formation of blood clots. The disease is considered the main cause of deep vein thrombosis, heart attack, stroke and other dangerous pathologies.

You should also follow simple but effective rules: do not forget about sports and walks, try to walk as often as possible, watch your weight, give up bad habits.

Some prefer to wear compression stockings.