There are a few telltale signs that you may have DVT, which include pain, swelling, tenderness or redness in and around the suspected area. Some other signs include leg cramps, leg pain that becomes more severe when the foot is bent and skin discoloration.
Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing up. swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) warm skin around the painful area. red or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skin.
See your GP as soon as possible if you think you may have DVT – for example, if you have pain, swelling and a heavy ache in your leg. They'll ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
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.
Pain in one leg or arm and not the other is a warning sign of DVT. Discomfort often increases with walking or standing for an extended period. Many people mistake this feeling for a pulled muscle, but leg pain from DVT will not go away with time as a muscle injury does.
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.
Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of DVT
A blood clot in the legs may be completely asymptomatic or “silent” within the affected vein, with no symptoms and minimal signs. Sometimes there are visible signs or feelings in the leg, including: Sudden or unexpected leg swelling. Pain, aching, fullness or pressure in the leg.
Following a DVT, your leg may be swollen, tender, red, or hot to the touch. These symptoms should improve over time, and exercise often helps. Walking and exercise are safe to do, but be sure to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
It's important to call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of a DVT. Don't wait to see if your symptoms go away. Get treatment right away to prevent serious complications.
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) has been noted to occur as much as 60% more frequently in the left lower extremity than in the right lower extremity (1).
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. The exact reasons for that aren't clear. One study looked at hospitalized people 60 and older.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
How long can you have DVT without knowing? Listening to your body and identifying any of the signs or symptoms listed earlier will be vital in knowing whether you have a DVT. If a DVT is related to a journey or sitting still for a long period of time, the symptoms can develop after a few hours or even days later.
Shortness of breath, coughing up blood and feeling faint or dizzy, or passing out are also common symptoms. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in the deep veins of your leg. It's one of the main causes of pulmonary embolisms. DVT sometimes doesn't cause any symptoms.
Some people who have DVT do not have any symptoms. Most have some swelling in one or both legs. Often, there is pain or tenderness in one leg (may happen only when you stand or walk). Your skin may feel warm or look red or discolored.
Most patients with DVT or PE recover completely within several weeks to months without significant complications or long-term adverse effects. However, long-term problems can occur, with symptoms ranging from very mild to more severe.
Overly strenuous exercise while suffering from DVT can cause complications and negatively affect your health. Exercising with DVT should start light, and build up slowly over time. A common exercise regimen involves going for walks every day and gradually adding more time to each walk.
The pain associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can come and go, depending on factors such as activity level and medication use. However, it is important to note that DVT pain can also persist and worsen over time, and may require medical intervention.
Sometimes, leg pain can signal something more serious like a fracture, deep vein thrombosis or compartment syndrome. Seek medical attention urgently if: the leg is swollen. it looks deformed or you can't use it properly.
Exercise can help improve blood flow in the body, and this can be particularly helpful in preventing blood clots from forming. Regular exercise can also help in breaking down existing blood clots. Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming are recommended as they are less strenuous on the body.