A blood clot in the thigh is referred to as deep vein thrombosis. A blood clot in the thigh forms when blood clumps together and sticks on the walls of the vein. The blood clot can significantly hinder blood flow or completely prevent blood from flowing. Although a common condition, deep vein thrombosis can lead to a potentially fatal situation.
Causes
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, there are three main reasons why a blood clot forms in the thigh: damage to the inner lining of the vein, slow blood flow or abnormally thick blood. Damage to the inner lining of the vein can be a result of surgery, injury, inflammation or an exaggerated immune response. Slow blood flow develops as a result of surgery, prolonged bed rest or excessive traveling. Abnormally thick blood can be inherited or develop as a result of hormone replacement therapy or use of birth control pills. Cigarette smoking and obesity also increase the risks of developing a blood clot in the thigh.
Symptoms
Some people with a blood clot in the thigh may not experience any symptoms, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. When symptoms do occur, the most common is swelling in one or both of the legs. Other common symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include pain and tenderness in the affected leg that increases with standing and walking, increased temperature in the leg, and redness and discoloration in the leg.
Treatment
A blood clot in the thigh can be successfully treated with a combination of medications. These medications include anticoagulants and thrombolytics. Anticoagulants, which are also called blood thinners, are the most common form of medication given for those with blood clots. These medications work by decreasing the ability of the blood to form clots and decreasing the size of existing clots; however, anticoagulants cannot destroy existing blood clots. Thrombolytics work by dissolving existing blood clots and are only used in severe situations because of their potential to cause uncontrolled bleeding. Vena cava filters may also be used to treat a blood clot in the thigh. These filters are inserted directly into the large vein called the vena cava. They work by physically catching blood clots that may break off and move through the circulatory system.
Prognosis
Most blood clots can dissolve successfully with treatment; however, the chances of developing future blood clots are high. Because of this, blood thinning medication may be required for a lifetime. Compression stockings, which put pressure on the legs and keep blood flowing properly, may be worn to prevent blood clots from re-forming.
Complications
A blood clot in the thigh has a significant chance of breaking off from the deep vein in the thigh and traveling to the lungs. This poses a serious health risk called a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs. A pulmonary embolism is a serious condition that can cause lung damage and even death. Early treatment of deep vein thrombosis can prevent a pulmonary embolism from occurring.
