Blood clots in the lower leg or foot are often called deep vein thrombosis because the clot is located in one of the deep major veins. This blocks the circulation through the vein that is carrying blood from the lower leg back to the heart for more oxygen and nutrients. In the United States, approximately 2 million people each year will develop a blood clot in the foot or leg. Know the symptoms of a blood clot to reduce the possibility of serious complications.
Pain and Swelling
When a clot forms in the deep veins of the legs, it can either partially or totally block the venous return to the heart. According to Clot Care, larger blood clots in the major veins will cause swelling and pain in the affected leg, lower than the clot. The pain in the leg is often worse with standing or walking and is caused from the lack of oxygen supply to the muscles required for balance and walking. The increased workload during standing and walking leads to a greater oxygen demand. Because the muscles aren't being supplied with oxygen, pain is the result.
Warmth and Tenderness
According to eMedicine, warmth and tenderness can result in the area of the leg that is obstructed by a blood clot. When the area swells from pooling of blood or an inflammatory process, it leads to warmth in the area and tenderness to the touch.
Leg Cramps
According to eMedicine, almost 30 to 50 percent of people will not have symptoms of the condition. However, they may experience intermittent leg cramps that could also be attributed to other medical conditions. If you develop new leg cramps while walking or climbing stairs, seek the advice of your primary care physician immediately.
Thrombophlebitis
According to Mayo Clinic, if the vein becomes inflamed or irritated, the resulting symptom will be thrombophlebitis. This condition occurs when a blood clot in your leg irritates the veins. This situation can happen in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin or in a major vein deep in the leg. A clot that is deep in the leg can lead to further complications of pulmonary embolism if not treated immediately. Thromophlebitis will have similar symptoms of a blood clot in the leg, such as warmth and tenderness. There can also be a hard red area over the surface of your leg if the blood clot is close to the surface.
Pulmonary Embolism
Unfortunately, serious complications from a blood clot in the foot or leg can result without any warning. Thirty to 50 percent of individuals may not have any symptoms of a blood clot in their leg until they experience a pulmonary embolism. According to Family Doctor, the goal for treatment of blood clots in the lower leg is to reduce or eliminate the risk of a blood clot traveling to your lung tissue. A pulmonary embolism is a serious complication of a blood clot in the leg and may be your first symptom of the condition. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or a sudden cough that produces blood.
