Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots in one of the veins in the calves. This condition can become life threatening if the DVT breaks off and travels to the lungs to cause a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE can be result in difficulty breathing and can be life threatening. According to Medline Plus, risk factors of a DVT include bed-rest, smoking, fractures, birth control pills, obesity, recent surgery and prolonged sitting. You should be aware of the symptoms of a DVT.
Leg Pain
According to Medline Plus, you may experience significant pain in your lower leg near the area of the blood clot. This pain may radiate into your ankle or foot and will feel crampy. Flexing your calf muscle may make the pain worse. Pain occurs because blood is backed up in your leg veins, causing significant pressure in your lower extremity. Immediately alert your doctor of this symptom, especially if you have one or more risk factors for developing a DVT.
Leg Swelling
Lower leg swelling is a common symptom of a blood clot in the calves, according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because a blood clot prevents blood from returning to the heart. Blood then backs up in veins in your lower leg and may cause significant swelling. Your doctor may prescribe compression stockings that will help ease some of the swelling associated with a DVT. Wear these stocking as often as your doctor recommends.
Redness and Warmth
You may notice redness and warmth along the affected calf, according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because the blood clot and swelling can cause an inflammatory response in your leg that results in redness and warmth along the calf muscle.
Tenderness
According to Medline Plus, your calf muscle may be tender to the touch if you have a DVT. Calf tenderness occurs because swelling can stretch sensory nerves in your muscle and skin. These nerves then become extremely sensitive to touch. This is a common sign that your doctor will check for if he suspects a DVT.
