Can you have a blood clot in your leg for years?

As many as half of those who get a DVT in their legs develop symptoms of intermittent leg pain and swelling that may last months to years. These symptoms are called post-thrombotic syndrome and can happen because of damage to the valves and inner lining of your veins leading to blood “pooling” more than it should.

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Can you have a blood clot for years and not know it?

“But about 30–40% of cases go unnoticed, since they don't have typical symptoms.” In fact, some people don't realize they have a deep vein clot until it causes a more serious condition. Deep vein clots—especially those in the thigh—can break off and travel through the bloodstream.

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How long can you have a blood clot in your leg for?

Living with DVT

It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings.

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Can you have a permanent blood clot?

A clot can permanently damage the vein it is lodged in. This problem, called post-phlebitis syndrome, causes persistent leg pain, swelling, darkened skin, and sometimes hard-to-heal skin ulcers. Up to 40% of people with a DVT develop post-phlebitis syndrome.

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What happens if a blood clot in the leg goes untreated?

If the clot is small, it might not cause any symptoms. If it's medium-sized, it can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. A large clot can cause the lungs to collapse, resulting in heart failure, which can be fatal. About one in 10 people with an untreated DVT develops a severe pulmonary embolism.

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What does a blood clot in the leg feel like?

27 related questions found

Does a blood clot in the leg hurt constantly?

Does blood clot pain come and go? Unlike the pain from a charley horse that usually goes away after stretching or with rest, the pain from a blood clot does not go away and usually gets worse with time.

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What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?

Symptoms of DVT in the leg are:
  • throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh.
  • swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
  • warm skin around the painful area.
  • red or darkened skin around the painful area.
  • swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them.

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Can you have a blood clot for 5 years?

Although many people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) recover completely, up to 40 percent continue to experience symptoms in their arms or legs for years after their initial diagnosis.

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Do some blood clots never go away?

A blood clot is a collection of blood in the body that has changed from liquid to a semi-solid mass. The body does this to stop bleeding when injured, but sometimes a clot forms inside a blood vessel and does not dissolve on its own.

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What happens if you have a blood clot in your long?

A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.

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What are the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis?

Top warning signs of deep vein thrombosis
  • Swelling. About 70% of all patients develop swelling, which is the top warning sign of DVT. ...
  • Leg pain. Leg pain is the second most common sign, as it appears in 50% of all patients. ...
  • Changes in your skin. Your skin may appear red or discolored. ...
  • Pain when your foot is flexed.

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What are the chances of surviving a blood clot in the leg?

However, reported survival after venous thromboembolism varies widely, with "short-term" survival ranging from 95% to 97% for deep vein thrombosis8,9 and from 77% to 94% for pulmonary embolism,4,6,8,9 while "long-term" survival ranges from 61% to 75% for both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.

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How do you rule out a blood clot in leg?

Duplex ultrasonography is an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the flow of blood in the veins. It can detect blockages or blood clots in the deep veins. It is the standard imaging test to diagnose DVT. A D-dimer blood test measures a substance in the blood that is released when a clot breaks up.

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How do I know if I still have a blood clot?

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.

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Is there a test to see if you are prone to blood clots?

A D-dimer test is used to find out if you have a blood clotting disorder. These disorders include: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that's deep inside a vein. These clots usually affect the lower legs, but they can also happen in other parts of the body.

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Does a blood clot feel better when walking?

Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness. Physical activity can also make you feel more energized. If you have DVT, being active is especially important for your legs.

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What are the 3 stages of blood clotting?

1) Constriction of the blood vessel. 2) Formation of a temporary “platelet plug." 3) Activation of the coagulation cascade.

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What does blood clot leg pain feel like?

Signs that you may have a blood clot

leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. swelling in the affected leg. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. the affected area feeling warm to the touch.

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What age is most common for blood clots?

Blood clots become more common as people get older, especially when they are over age 65. Long hospital stays, surgeries and trauma may significantly increase your risk of blood clots. Other factors can increase your risk to a lesser degree.

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What age do most people get blood clots?

You can get deep-vein clots at any age, but it usually affects people who are older than 40. After 40, the risk for DVT and PE may double with each passing decade.

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What is life expectancy with DVT?

10% – 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis. Among people who have had a DVT, one third to one half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.

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Which leg usually gets blood clots?

It mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh, but can occur in other deep veins, such as in the arms and pelvis. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) affects mainly the veins in the lower leg and the thigh.

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Can a blood clot in leg resolve on its own?

Though the clots associated with DVT often dissolve on their own, some diagnosed with DVT may need treatment to avoid serious and fatal complications such as pulmonary embolism. Blood-thinning medications help break up the clots, but surgery may be needed to restore healthy circulation.

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Can you feel a blood clot in your leg by touch?

You may be able to feel the clot as a firm lump under the skin. The skin over the clot can become red, tender, and warm to the touch. Blood clots in veins close to the skin's surface usually are not serious and often can be treated at home.

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When should I be worried about leg pain?

Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you:
  • Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon.
  • Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg.
  • Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf.
  • Hear a popping or grinding sound at the time of a leg injury.

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