Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the name of a condition that occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein deep within the body. Most often, a DVT blood clot will occur inside the thigh or the lower part of the leg. If these clots move from deep within the body and travel in the blood, they can become lodged in a crucial area like the heart, lung or brain, and cause severe health problems. DVT can occur after prolonged bed rest or sitting down, taking hormone medications, surgery, childbirth or a broken bone. People who smoke, have a blood-clotting disorder or who are older than age 60 are more susceptible to DVT.
Swelling and Pain
Not everyone has symptoms with DVT, says the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). In fact, only about half of the people with such a blood clot will notice any symptoms. One of the most common signs, if they do appear, is significant swelling. If the blood clot is in the leg, the whole leg may swell, including the foot and the ankle. Blood clots in the neck or arms can result in swelling in those areas, says the Mayo Clinic.
The blood clot can also cause significant pain, radiating from the leg down into the foot and ankle. Pain from DVT can mimic leg cramps and often is strongest in the calf. The entire leg may be sore and tender to the touch.
Changes in Color
A leg affected by DVT can look different and may even appear different in color. Redness may occur, but any discoloration of the skin could indicate DVT. Like swelling and pain, discoloration of the skin only appears in one leg, unless there is a clot in both legs.
Heat
The swelling and buildup of blood in an affected leg can also lead to heat in the leg. If you touch the swollen leg, it may feel warmer than normal or than the other leg.
Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism
DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot that has traveled to the lung. Sometimes, the first warning signs of DVT are actually symptoms of a pulmonary embolism. This can cause difficulty breathing, painful breathing and production of blood when you cough, says the NHLBI. It may also cause rapid heart rate and fast breathing.
