Does pain from dvt come and go. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Pain Patterns and 4 Similar Conditions: A Comprehensive Guide

30.09.202303.07.2023 by alexxlab

Does pain from DVT come and go. What are the symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis. How to differentiate DVT from other conditions with similar symptoms. What are the risk factors for developing DVT.

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Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Its Pain Characteristics

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in deep veins, typically in the legs. One of the most common questions patients ask is: Does pain from DVT come and go? The answer is not straightforward, as DVT pain patterns can vary from person to person.

DVT pain is often described as:

Persistent and localized
Worsening over time
Intensifying when standing or walking
Accompanied by swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area

While the pain associated with DVT tends to be constant, some patients may experience fluctuations in intensity. It’s important to note that about half of the people with DVT may not experience any symptoms at all, making it a potentially silent but dangerous condition.

Risk Factors for Developing DVT

Understanding the risk factors for DVT is crucial for prevention and early detection. Some key risk factors include:

Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
Recent surgery or injury
Obesity
Pregnancy or use of hormonal contraceptives
Family history of blood clotting disorders
Chronic diseases such as heart disease, lung disease, or cancer
Advanced age

Do these risk factors guarantee the development of DVT? No, but they significantly increase the likelihood, making it essential for individuals with multiple risk factors to be vigilant about potential symptoms.

Distinguishing DVT from Other Conditions: A Comparative Analysis

Given that DVT shares symptoms with several other conditions, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Here’s a comparative analysis of DVT and four conditions with similar symptoms:

1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is often confused with DVT due to some overlapping symptoms. How do these conditions differ?

PAD affects arteries, while DVT affects veins
PAD pain typically occurs during activity and subsides with rest
PAD often causes coolness in the affected limb, unlike the warmth associated with DVT
PAD can affect both legs simultaneously, whereas DVT usually affects one leg

Is PAD as immediately dangerous as DVT? While PAD isn’t typically a medical emergency like DVT can be, it significantly increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke if left untreated.

2. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are another condition that can be mistaken for DVT. Here’s how they differ:

Varicose veins are visible on the surface of the skin, unlike DVT which occurs in deep veins
Pain from varicose veins is usually dull and achy, rather than the more intense pain of DVT
Varicose veins rarely lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism
Treatment for varicose veins is often cosmetic, whereas DVT treatment is medically necessary

Can varicose veins turn into DVT? While having varicose veins doesn’t directly cause DVT, they can increase the risk of developing superficial thrombophlebitis, which in rare cases can progress to DVT.

3. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can present similarly to DVT. Key differences include:

Cellulitis often causes fever and chills, which are not typical of DVT
The affected area in cellulitis may develop blisters or abscesses
Cellulitis can spread rapidly if untreated, while DVT progression is usually slower
Antibiotic treatment is effective for cellulitis but not for DVT

How quickly does cellulitis progress compared to DVT? Cellulitis can spread rapidly within hours or days, while DVT typically develops more slowly over days or weeks.

4. Vasculitis

Vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels, can also mimic DVT symptoms. Here’s how they differ:

Vasculitis can affect multiple parts of the body, not just the legs
It often causes systemic symptoms like fever, weight loss, and fatigue
Vasculitis may lead to skin rashes or ulcers, which are not typical of DVT
Treatment for vasculitis often involves immunosuppressants, unlike DVT treatment

Is vasculitis more challenging to diagnose than DVT? Yes, vasculitis can be more difficult to diagnose due to its varied presentation and the need for specialized tests.

Diagnostic Approaches for DVT and Similar Conditions

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of DVT and conditions with similar symptoms. Healthcare providers typically use a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests to differentiate between these conditions.

Clinical Evaluation

The initial step in diagnosis involves a thorough clinical evaluation, which includes:

Detailed medical history
Physical examination
Assessment of risk factors
Evaluation of symptoms and their progression

How important is the clinical evaluation in diagnosing DVT? While clinical evaluation is crucial, it’s often not sufficient on its own to definitively diagnose DVT due to the overlap of symptoms with other conditions.

Diagnostic Tests

Several diagnostic tests can help confirm or rule out DVT:

D-dimer blood test: Measures a substance released when blood clots break down
Duplex ultrasound: Uses sound waves to visualize blood flow in veins
Venography: An X-ray test using contrast dye to visualize veins
CT or MRI scans: Provide detailed images of blood vessels and surrounding tissues

Which diagnostic test is most commonly used for DVT? Duplex ultrasound is often the first-line diagnostic test for suspected DVT due to its non-invasive nature and high accuracy.

Treatment Approaches for DVT and Related Conditions

Once a diagnosis is established, appropriate treatment can be initiated. Treatment approaches vary significantly between DVT and conditions with similar symptoms.

DVT Treatment

The primary goals of DVT treatment are to prevent the clot from growing, reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism, and alleviate symptoms. Common treatment approaches include:

Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners)
Compression stockings
Elevation of the affected limb
In severe cases, thrombolytic therapy or surgical intervention

How long does DVT treatment typically last? The duration of treatment can vary, but many patients require anticoagulant therapy for at least 3-6 months, with some needing longer-term treatment based on their risk factors.

Treatment for Similar Conditions

Treatment approaches for conditions that mimic DVT vary based on the specific diagnosis:

PAD: Lifestyle changes, medications to improve blood flow, and in some cases, surgical interventions
Varicose veins: Compression stockings, lifestyle changes, and various medical or surgical procedures for severe cases
Cellulitis: Antibiotics, elevation of the affected area, and proper wound care if applicable
Vasculitis: Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and treatment of underlying conditions

Why is accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment? Each condition requires a specific treatment approach, and misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment and potential complications.

Prevention Strategies for DVT and Related Vascular Conditions

While not all cases of DVT and related conditions can be prevented, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of developing these issues.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can play a crucial role in preventing DVT and improving overall vascular health:

Regular physical activity to improve circulation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Quitting smoking
Staying hydrated, especially during long travels
Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility

How effective are lifestyle changes in preventing DVT? While lifestyle modifications alone may not prevent all cases of DVT, they can significantly reduce the risk, especially when combined with other preventive measures.

Medical Interventions

In high-risk situations, such as during or after surgery, healthcare providers may recommend additional preventive measures:

Prophylactic anticoagulant medications
Compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression devices
Early mobilization after surgery
Proper management of underlying health conditions

When are medical interventions for DVT prevention typically recommended? Medical interventions are often recommended for individuals at high risk of DVT, such as those undergoing major surgery, with a history of blood clots, or with multiple risk factors.

Long-Term Management and Follow-Up Care

For individuals who have experienced DVT or related vascular conditions, long-term management and follow-up care are essential to prevent recurrence and manage potential complications.

Ongoing Monitoring

Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are crucial for:

Assessing the effectiveness of treatment
Monitoring for potential complications
Adjusting medications as needed
Evaluating the need for continued anticoagulation therapy

How often should follow-up appointments be scheduled after DVT? The frequency of follow-up appointments can vary, but typically, patients are seen every few weeks initially, with less frequent visits as their condition stabilizes.

Managing Long-Term Complications

Some individuals may experience long-term complications after DVT, such as post-thrombotic syndrome. Management strategies may include:

Continued use of compression stockings
Physical therapy to improve circulation and reduce swelling
Pain management techniques
In some cases, additional medical or surgical interventions

What percentage of DVT patients develop post-thrombotic syndrome? Studies suggest that approximately 20-50% of patients with DVT may develop some degree of post-thrombotic syndrome, emphasizing the importance of long-term management and follow-up care.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in DVT Management

The field of DVT research is continuously evolving, with ongoing studies aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques

Researchers are exploring new diagnostic methods to enhance the accuracy and speed of DVT detection:

Biomarker-based blood tests for more precise diagnosis
Advanced imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance direct thrombus imaging
Artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic tools

How might these advanced diagnostic techniques impact DVT management? These emerging techniques have the potential to enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis, potentially leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications.

Novel Treatment Approaches

Ongoing research is focused on developing new treatment options for DVT:

Direct oral anticoagulants with improved safety profiles
Targeted thrombolytic therapies
Gene therapy approaches to modulate clotting factors
Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems

What potential benefits do these novel treatments offer? These new approaches aim to provide more effective and personalized treatment options, potentially reducing the risk of bleeding complications and improving long-term outcomes for DVT patients.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of DVT pain patterns and distinguishing it from similar conditions is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While DVT remains a serious medical condition, ongoing research and advancements in diagnostic and treatment approaches offer hope for improved management and outcomes in the future. As always, individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of DVT or related conditions should seek prompt medical attention for proper evaluation and care.

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.

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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 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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.”

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.

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The child’s legs hurt.

What to do?

What is leg pain in a child?

Leg pain can be described as any sensation of pain or discomfort in the area between the groin and ankle. Depending on the cause, leg pain can range from moderate to severe, and symptoms can be constant (continuous) or intermittent (come and go). Leg pain can be acute, meaning it comes on quickly and then goes away. Or it can take weeks or months. Then it is called chronic leg pain. For some children, chronic leg pain can last for years and affect their lives.

What symptoms are associated with leg pain?

Pain in the leg may affect only a small part of the leg, or may cover most or even the entire leg. The pain may be dull or sharp, burning, tingling or dull. The child may experience pain in the buttocks, lower back, spine, or foot.

Other signs and symptoms that may occur with leg pain include:

swelling
varicose veins 9What causes pain in the legs of children?
Here are some common causes of leg pain:
- Cramp: This is when the muscles suddenly contract. The pain is usually felt in the lower leg and goes away on its own fairly quickly.
- Muscle strains and strains. The leg may be very sensitive, and there may be muscle spasm, swelling, or difficulty moving the leg.
- Minor injury such as a blow, blow, or bruise: There may be redness, swelling, or discoloration of the skin at the site of the injury.
- Fracture: A broken or cracked bone can also cause swelling, deformity, bruising, and loss of strength or movement in the leg.
- Infection: Ulcers, infected wounds, or blisters may also cause redness, swelling, and fever in the affected area. The child may have a fever and general malaise.
- Injury to nearby joints, bones, or muscles: Very painful nodules can form in surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Pain in the back of the leg can be caused by back joint problems or sciatica. Ankle, knee, or hip problems can also cause leg pain.
- Too little use of the leg: The child may also have tingling or muscle stiffness.
- Blood vessel problems such as blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) or poor circulation: The child may also have swelling, pressure, tenderness, or paleness in the legs.
- Varicose veins: the pain may be aching, throbbing or burning. The child may also have heaviness, cramps or restlessness in the legs, swelling of the ankles, darkening of the skin over the veins, and an itchy rash.
- Nerve problems such as diabetic neuropathy: The child may also have weakness, numbness or tingling.
- Compartment Syndrome: The pain will be intense and worse when the child pulls the leg and the skin feels tingling, burning or numb. The skin may look pale and feel cold.
- Leg pain can also be part of chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
- Growing pains: The child may have a sore or burning sensation in the muscles of the thighs, calves, or feet, usually at night.
When should I see a doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if the child has pain in the legs and:
- the leg is swollen
- the leg is deformed or unusable
- the leg is unusually cool or pale
- the leg is numb and weak
- leg reddened and hot
- both legs are swollen and have trouble breathing
- the pain is getting worse
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if the child has signs of infection such as fever, calf pain after a long journey, or any serious symptoms that occur Without explaning the reason.
Growing pains in children
Pain in the legs is very common in children, especially at primary school age. Most often, such pains are “growing pains”. It is not known what causes growing pains. In most children examined by doctors with growing pains, there is no objective reason for their appearance. One theory is that pain is related to exercise, but this is not always the case. Some children with growing pains in their legs may also experience abdominal pain and headaches. In these children, growing pains may be associated with stress or anxiety and may be psychosomatic.
Symptoms of growing pains in the legs
If your child has growing pains, he may say that he has aching or burning sensations in both legs – in the muscles of the thighs, calves or feet. Pain can also occur in the arms or other parts of the body, although this is much less common. Pain in the legs usually occurs at night and can sometimes even wake the child. They are also common during the daytime, but are rarely dangerous enough to interfere with daily activities. For most children, leg pain or discomfort tends to come and go. It is difficult to say when such pains will begin and when they will pass. A child with growing pains in the legs usually starts on their own or allows the parents to massage the painful area. This can help tell the difference between growing pains and a more serious condition. Children who have leg pain due to a more serious cause usually do not allow anyone to touch the painful area.
Should I see a doctor about my child’s leg pain?
You should take your child to a GP if you think something more serious is going on with their legs. For example:
- The pain is very severe and does not go away.
- Your child is lame.
- Painful part of the body is sensitive, hot or swollen to the touch.
Sometimes your GP may order an x-ray or blood test to make sure there is no other cause of pain, such as a fracture or inflammation.
Treatment of growing pains in the legs
There is no specific treatment for growing pains. You can tell your child that the pain is not serious and it will go away. Massage or applying a heating pad to the affected area may help. Stretching your muscles and taking a warm bath before bed can also help. Sometimes the GP may offer your child some kind of mild pain medication, such as paracetamol. There is no need to interfere with the child’s exercise. Growing pains usually go away with time. There is no prevention for growing pains in the legs: there is nothing you can do to prevent growing pains in a child.
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What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and what are its symptoms
What is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis is an abnormal blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg or pelvis, and is thought to affect about 1 in every 1000 people in the UK.
Large DVT can travel from the veins of the legs or pelvis and travel through the venous system to the heart and then to the lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a very serious medical condition and can even be fatal.
While most DVTs are small, harmless, and go away on their own, it is true that many DVTs are never diagnosed and are often misrepresented by patients, doctors, and nurses as “sprained muscles” or other leg pain. Without duplex vein ultrasound by a vascular specialist (who can scan even the smallest veins in the calves), it is impossible to accurately determine the presence or absence of DVT.
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How to avoid DVT
Most people have heard of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), but are surprised to learn about the causes of this condition. Many people associate DVT with long-haul flights, and while this is one of the main reasons, there are many others that should be acknowledged.
If you are in the hospital for surgery, the risk of a blood clot increases. This is because DVT is more likely to occur when you are unwell or less active than usual. Pregnancy can also cause DVT. During pregnancy, blood clots more easily. This is the body’s way of preventing too much blood from being lost during childbirth. Genetics also play a role, and if someone in your family has had DVT before, then you are also more likely to have this condition.
Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis
Possible symptoms of deep vein thrombosis may include:
- Leg pain or tenderness for no apparent reason – may be above the knee, below the knee, or in both legs.
- Swelling of the ankle, ankle and calf, ankle, calf and thigh, or even the whole leg.
- Severe pain in the leg – especially when standing or walking
- Warm skin in the area of swelling
- Sometimes the skin may be slightly redder, but this is less common.
- DVT usually affects one leg but can rarely affect both.
Approximately half of patients have no symptoms or “warning signs” and are diagnosed with DVT only when complications occur.
See a specialist
If people are in doubt as to whether they are suffering from DVT or any other venous disease, they should see a venous specialist as soon as possible for duplex ultrasound and treatment advice.
Many emergency departments do a blood test and, if positive, give heparin while duplex scanning is being arranged.
If DVT is diagnosed and treated immediately, in most cases the clot resolves and the vein returns to normal. If diagnosis and treatment are delayed, or if repeated DVTs occur in the same leg, deep veins can become frightened and stop working properly. This causes “post-thrombotic syndrome” (PTS), which can cause chronic leg pain and swelling, discoloration of the skin, and often leg ulcers.
It is also important to know why the blood clot formed. This may be due to varicose veins, tightness of the veins, changes in the blood (dehydration, smoking, and certain drugs) or blood flow, or even a sign of another medical condition, including abnormal blood clotting.