If you have recently returned from a long-haul flight or are recovering from a surgical procedure, your body has been through a lot. While you’re likely focused on getting back to your routine, it’s important to pay attention to how your legs feel. A blood clot in the deep veins, known as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), is a serious condition that can develop when blood flow slows down or changes.
According to the CDC, every year, as many as 900,000 Americans are affected by blood clots. The good news is that DVT is preventable and highly treatable when caught early. This guide will help you identify DVT symptoms, understand your risks, and know exactly when to reach out for professional medical help.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Unlike the veins you can see just under your skin, deep veins are surrounded by muscle. When a clot forms here, it can block blood flow, causing pain and swelling.
Why Travel and Surgery Increase Your Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-distance travel (more than four hours) increases your risk because you are sitting in a confined space for a long period. Being still slows blood flow through the veins in your legs, which NHLBI says raises the likelihood of DVT.
Surgery also raises your risk. According to NHLBI, blood clots can develop in veins damaged by surgery, and bed rest after surgery slows blood flow.
Recognizing DVT Symptoms: More Than Just a Cramp
DVT can be tricky because it doesn’t always cause obvious pain. CDC states that, in fact, about half of the people with DVT have no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do appear, they typically affect only one leg.
Leg Swelling and Redness
One of the most common DVT symptoms is swelling in one leg. You might notice that your calf or thigh looks significantly larger than the other. This isn’t the general puffiness you might get in both ankles after a long day; it is usually localized to the limb where the clot is located. Along with swelling, the skin may appear reddish or even bluish in color.
Tenderness and Warmth
If you touch the area that is swollen, it may feel warm. MedlinePlus lists warmth and tenderness over the vein, and pain or swelling in the affected area, as common symptoms.
The Risk of Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
According to MedlinePlus The most serious complication of DVT occurs if a piece of the blood clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. This is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
When a Blood Clot Travels to the Lungs
A PE is a life-threatening medical emergency. It can damage the lungs. According to the CDC, you can also have a PE without any symptoms of a DVT.
Warning Signs of a Medical Emergency
The CDC says to seek medical help immediately if you have signs of a PE, such as:
- Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain that worsens when you take a deep breath or cough.
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting.
- Coughing up blood.
Who is Most at Risk for DVT?
While anyone can develop a clot, certain factors make it more likely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several risk factors:
- Age: Risk goes up as you get older, though almost anyone can have a DVT.
- Recent Injury or Surgery: Especially major surgery involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs.
- Immobility: Being on bed rest or sitting for long periods.
- Pregnancy: Risk continues into the period just after pregnancy, up to 3 months after giving birth.
- Health Conditions: Including cancer, heart disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Medications: Such as birth control that contains estrogen, or hormone replacement therapy.
How We Diagnose DVT: On-site Blood Tests and Imaging
If you visit an urgent care or emergency room with suspected DVT symptoms, healthcare providers use special tests to find the clot. The CDC describes these tests for DVT:
- D-dimer Test: This is a specialized blood test that measures a substance in the blood that is released when a blood clot breaks up. If the test is negative, it likely means you do not have a clot.
- Duplex Ultrasound: This is the standard imaging test to diagnose DVT. It uses sound waves to look at the flow of blood in your veins.
- Venography: This X-ray test uses dye injected into a vein in the foot or ankle. It is invasive, so it is used only in certain patients.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Suspect a Clot
If you notice swelling, redness, or unexplained pain in one leg after a trip or surgery, do not wait. The CDC says to see your doctor as soon as possible if you have signs of DVT.
If you have DVT, treatment often starts with blood thinners (anticoagulants). NHLBI says they keep clots from getting larger and stop new clots from forming.
When to Get Checked for a Blood Clot
If you’ve recently traveled or had surgery and have unexplained pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg, do not wait. Part of a clot can break off and travel to the lungs, so get evaluated for a blood clot at ER of Irving right away. We are open 24/7.
Need immediate care? Call us now at (972) 893-3148
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FAQs
How long after surgery can a DVT occur?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the chance of developing a blood clot is highest in the first 3 months after surgery and lowers with time.
Can DVT happen in both legs at the same time?
Signs of DVT occur in the affected leg or arm, according to the CDC. Other problems, such as a muscle injury or skin infection, can look similar, so get any swelling checked.
Does walking help DVT?
Walking is a great way to prevent DVT by keeping blood flowing. If you already suspect a clot, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Will a DVT go away on its own?
A clot may sometimes dissolve on its own, but part of it can break off and travel to the lungs, says the CDC. Not every clot needs treatment, so let a doctor decide.
What does DVT pain feel like?
The CDC lists pain or tenderness, swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg or arm. About half of people with DVT have no symptoms.
Can I fly if I have DVT?
Talk to your doctor before you travel. The CDC advises this for anyone at higher risk for clots, such as people who have had one before.
