A blood clot that may cause tingling in the leg and foot is called deep vein thrombosis. The blood clot can form in one or more of the deep veins in the thigh or lower leg and prevent proper blood flow. When blood flow is hindered, it can cause a variety of symptoms and puts an individual at risk for future complications. According to MedlinePlus, deep vein thrombosis is most common in adults over the age of 60, but can affect people at any age.
Causes
There are three major causes for the development of deep vein thrombosis: damage to the inner lining of the deep veins, slow blood flow, or thicker than normal blood, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Damage to the inner lining of the deep veins may be caused by physical or chemical trauma or physiological factors, such as surgery, injury, inflammation or abnormal immune system response. Slow blood flow is often a result of bed rest or prolonged traveling. Thicker than normal blood may be due to genetic conditions, hormonal replacement therapy or the use of birth control pills.
Symptoms
Not everyone with deep vein thrombosis experiences symptoms. In fact, MayoClinic.com notes that symptoms only occur in about half of those with deep vein thrombosis. When do symptoms do occur, they can include swelling of the entire leg, including the ankle and foot or along the vein, redness in the affected leg, increased warmth in the affected leg, and numbness and tingling in the leg that can travel to the foot.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to prevent blood clots from increasing in size or breaking off and moving to other parts of the body where they can cause serious complications. The most commonly used treatment option is a medication called an anticoagulant, or blood thinner. These medications work by decreasing the blood's ability to clot. Although anticoagulants do not break apart existing clots, they can prevent new clots from forming. Thrombolytics, or clot busters, are another type of medication that may be used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. Thrombolytics break up existing clots, but are only used in extreme cases because they carry a high risk of serious bleeding, according to MayoClinic.com. A structure called a vena cava filter may also be inserted into the vena cava to physically block the movement of blood clots.
Prevention
Most cases of deep vein thrombosis go away without any complications, however, there is a good chance that a blood clot will return, according to Medline Plus. To prevent future blood clots, it is important to take all medications as prescribed and make regular visits to the doctor. Losing weight, increasing exercise and quitting smoking are also important factors in preventing future blood blots.
Complications
Deep vein thrombosis poses an increased risk for the development of a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when the blood clot travels from the legs into the lungs. A pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow to the organs and can result in organ failure or death. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, coughing up blood and pain during deep breathing. If these symptoms occur, contact a doctor.
