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.
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.
The symptoms of DVT usually affect one leg (rarely both) and can include: throbbing, pain, cramping and tenderness (usually in the calf or thigh) pain on extending the foot.
5) Leg Cramps
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.
DVT symptoms
pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh) a heavy ache in the affected area. warm skin in the area of the clot. red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee.
But if the pain only lasts for a few seconds and doesn't come back, it's probably not a blood clot. “Blood clot symptoms don't come and go quickly,” says Dr. Tran. “They stay.”
There are other conditions with signs and symptoms similar to those of DVT and PE. For example, muscle injury, cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection), and inflammation (swelling) of veins that are just under the skin can mimic the signs and symptoms of DVT.
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.
Deep vein blood clots typically occur in the lower leg or thigh. “Deep vein thrombosis has classic symptoms—for example swelling, pain, warmth, and redness on the leg,” says Dr. Andrei Kindzelski, an NIH blood disease expert. “But about 30–40% of cases go unnoticed, since they don't have typical symptoms.”
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).
Symptoms include: 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 duration of DVT treatment is 3 to 6 months, but recurrent episodes may require at least 12 months of treatment. Patients with cancer need long-term treatment. Inferior vena cava filters are not recommended in acute DVT. There are both permanent and temporary inferior vena cava filters available.
The skin around the area will become warm and sensitive to touch. The skin may have a reddened appearance as the body works to get rid of the clot. If blood flow is restricted, people often feel pain when they move the affected area, Anyone suffering these symptoms should call 9-1-1 and seek immediate treatment.
Incorrectly diagnosing any condition that mimics the presence of blood clots can have far-reaching effects. Medical conditions that have symptoms similar to DVT blood clots include: Peripheral artery disease. Varicose veins and spider veins.
Both PAD and DVTs cause lower leg pain, however there are differences in the leg pain which are important to know. PAD leg pain typically occurs when walking or exercising and can improve with rest, whereas with DVTs the pain occurs at rest and is improved with elevation.
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.
The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm. Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
You may have DVT, deep vein thrombosis, if you notice that one limb is swollen, painful, warm, and red. But many other things can cause similar symptoms. Some of them, like minor cuts, fractures, or sprains, are relatively harmless, and others are more serious.
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.
If you have symptoms like leg swelling, leg pain, or chest pain, you should go to the ED. When you get there, a doctor will ask you questions about your health and symptoms and examine you. They might also use special machines to take pictures of your veins or check your blood.