For most people with a DVT, it takes a few weeks or months to recover completely without long-term effects. But in some cases, if you're recovering from a blood clot in the leg, you may feel swelling and some discomfort.
The effects of a DVT can linger long after a clot develops, leading to serious complications that leave you unable to work. But under certain circumstances, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after a blood clot.
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.
The Importance of Exercise if You Have DVT
Aerobic activity -- things like walking, hiking, swimming, dancing, and jogging -- can also help your lungs work better after a pulmonary embolism. Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness.
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.
For years, if you had a DVT, your doctor would order bed rest. This was thought to lower the risk of a clot traveling through your bloodstream to your lungs. 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.
You can usually stay at home to have your DVT treatment. But you may need to be admitted to hospital if you have any complications or certain problems that put you at higher risk.
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.
5. Can I drive after a DVT or PE? As long as you didn't suffer a loss of consciousness, and you can move your leg freely, then there are no restrictions on driving.
As the clot gets worse, you may feel a sensation ranging from a dull ache to intense pain. The pain may throb in your leg, belly, or even arm. Swelling in the spot where the blood clot has formed or throughout your entire arm or leg. Change in color.
Approximately 60% of patients will recover from a leg DVT without any residual symptoms, 40% will have some degree of post-thrombotic syndrome, and 4% will have severe symptoms. The symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome usually occur within the first 6 months, but can occur up 2 years after the clot.
It's also worth mentioning that the most common symptom after a blood clot is exhaustion and fatigue. So, be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. For the first couple of months, you might not feel like yourself; you might feel like resting is all you can do, and that's okay because that's part of this disease.
Because you are taking a blood thinner, you should try not to hurt yourself and cause bleeding. You need to be careful when you use knives, scissors, razors, or any sharp object that can make you bleed. You also need to avoid activities and sports that could cause injury. Swimming and walking are safe activities.
People want to know when they will recover. “Most patients with DVT or PE recover within a few days or weeks without significant complications or lasting effects,” Dr. Moll says. The risk of a clot breaking off and forming a PE is present mostly during the first few days while the clot is fresh and fragile.
If you have a DVT or pulmonary embolism, you typically get more and more relief as the clot gets smaller. The pain and swelling from a DVT usually start to get better within days of treatment.
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.
How Painful Is DVT? DVT can range from mild to severe pain, depending on the individual and the extent of the clot. Others may experience severe pain and swelling, while others may only feel a dull ache. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect DVT to prevent potential complications.
This is a serious condition that occurs when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream. This then blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs, preventing blood from reaching them. If left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism.
Sitting or lying down for long periods—due to prolonged bed rest after illness or a long airplane flight, for example—can cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and, worst-case scenario, pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lungs.
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.
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.
You can reduce your risk of post-thrombotic syndrome by lowering your risk of DVT. Not moving or walking for long periods of time raises your risk of DVT.
The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin. 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.