10 Warning Signs of a Blood Clot in the Leg You Should Know
A blood clot in a deep vein of the leg is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can become dangerous if part of the clot travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Importantly, about half of people with DVT have no symptoms, so symptoms alone cannot rule it out.
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Possible warning signs include:
Swelling in one leg, particularly if it appears suddenly.
Pain or tenderness in the calf, thigh, or leg without an obvious injury.
Unexplained aching or cramping in the affected leg.
Warmth over an area of the leg.
Red or discolored skin on the affected leg.
A feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected limb.
Symptoms that are noticeably worse in one leg than the other.
New swelling or discomfort after prolonged sitting or immobility, such as after a long journey or bed rest.
Leg symptoms following surgery, significant injury, or hospitalization, when clot risk can be higher.
Persistent or worsening symptoms that don’t have an obvious explanation.
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🚨 The emergency warning signs
A suspected DVT requires prompt medical assessment, because a clot can travel to the lungs. If you develop sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain that worsens with a deep breath or cough, coughing up blood, a rapid/irregular heartbeat, severe lightheadedness, or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately.
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Don’t try to diagnose a blood clot at home. Muscle injuries and other conditions can look similar, and doctors use tests such as ultrasound to diagnose DVT.
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