How long can a blood clot go untreated in leg?

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

If left untreated, the clot may become larger and cause significant swelling or pain in your arm or legs. An embolism can also break off and travel to your lungs, causing breathing difficulty, chest pain, and putting stress on your heart. We call this condition pulmonary embolism (PE).

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

How Long Can a Blood Clot Go Undetected? Small blood clots in the calf can sometimes go undetected for several days or weeks, especially if they don't show any symptoms.

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What happens if you leave a blood clot in your leg?

DVT can be very serious because blood clots can travel to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away.

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What does a blood clot in the leg feel like?

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Can you live a long life with a blood clot in your leg?

Most DVTs resolve on their own. If a pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs, the prognosis can be more severe. About 25% of people who have a PE will die suddenly, and that will be the only symptom.

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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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How do you know if a blood clot is traveling?

Symptoms of a PE can include:
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Faster than normal or irregular heartbeat.
  • Chest pain or discomfort, which usually worsens with a deep breath or coughing.
  • Anxiety.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Lightheadedness, or fainting.

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Do blood clots in legs happen suddenly?

DVT can occur suddenly (acute), leading to an urgent or emergency situation. Or it can be a chronic condition, with blood clots gradually causing circulation problems, usually in the lower body. Chronic blood clots can lead to venous insufficiency, when your body has difficulty returning blood to your heart.

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What is often mistaken for a blood clot?

Medical conditions that have symptoms similar to DVT blood clots include: Peripheral artery disease. Varicose veins and spider veins. Cellulitis.

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What is the timeline of a blood clot in the leg?

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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When should I be worried about leg pain?

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.

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How worried should I be about a blood clot?

Important! If you think you have a blood clot, call your doctor or go to the emergency room right away! Blood clots can be dangerous. Blood clots that form in the veins in your legs, arms, and groin can break loose and move to other parts of your body, including your lungs.

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When should I be worried about a blood clot?

Trouble breathing.

If this happens, it could mean that the clot has moved from your arm or leg to your lungs. You may also get a bad cough, and might even cough up blood. You may get pain in your chest or feel dizzy. Call 911 to get medical help right away.

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Should you rest if you have a blood clot in your leg?

But recent research suggests that bed rest doesn't help people with DVT and that it may be fine for you to get up and move around.

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Can you walk with a blood clot in your leg?

Exercising With DVT

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.

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How should I sleep with a blood clot in my leg?

Elevate your legs above the level of your heart.

Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.

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What are the early stages of a blood clot?

Symptoms of a blood clot include:
  • throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg or arm.
  • sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (may be worse when you breathe in) and a cough or coughing up blood.

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How do you know if a blood clot is traveling up your leg?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include: Leg swelling. Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf. Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin.

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What happens if you don't know you have a blood clot?

An unexpected clot can lead to serious problems and even death. In an artery, it can give you a heart attack or a stroke. If it happens in a vein, you can feel pain and swelling. A clot deep inside your body is called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

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Is it OK to move around with a blood clot?

For most people, walking or taking care of some housework are fine right after you find out you have DVT.

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How do I know if my leg pain is normal or blood clot?

Leg cramps are a common occurrence that most of us have felt before. Regular muscle cramps will go away pretty quickly by stretching or walking. Crampy feelings in the legs that won't go away or worsen over time are symptoms of DVT. Cramping caused by DVT needs medical attention before it becomes dangerous.

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Is it a blood clot or just leg pain?

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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How can I check my leg for blood clots at home?

This evaluation, known as Homan's Test, consists of laying flat on your back and extending the knee in the suspected leg. Have a friend or family member raise the extended leg to 10 degrees, then have them squeeze the calf. If there's deep pain in the calf, it may be indicative of DVT.

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