A blood clot, also referred to as an embolism, may form in a vein or an artery in the arm. Risk factors for blood clots include obesity, a broken bone, birth control pills, traveling in a vehicle for long periods and bed rest. Recognizing symptoms of a blood clot is important because without treatment, the blood clot may travel from the arm and cause complications such as a heart attack, stroke or death, according to MayoClinic.com.
Swelling and Lack of Pulse
A blood clot in the arm may cause the arm to swell in the area, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The swelling may also involve the hands and fingers, depending on the location and severity of the blood clot. The edema in the arm may increase throughout the day and lessen during the night. Swelling may restrict movement of the arm. The pulse in the wrist may feel weak or absent.
Skin Changes
Having a blood clot in the arm may cause the skin to redden over the affected area. The reddened skin may feel warm to the touch. The skin and tissue on the hand and fingers may feel cool or cold to the touch and to the individual. The arm may turn pale as it loses blood flow to the portion of the arm past the blood clot. Without treatment, the blood clot may cause blisters to appear on the skin. The skin may begin to darken and slough off due to reduced blood flow to the area, according to MedlinePlus.
Pain
A blood clot in the arm may cause pain or soreness in the affected area. Painful muscle pain and spasms may also occur in the arm. Touching the affected area may cause tenderness. Some individuals may experience numbness and tingling to the arm.
