Early Warning Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Early Warning Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more veins, most commonly in the legs. In some cases, the condition might not cause any symptoms, while it may lead to swelling and pain in the legs in other cases. Here are some other telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis that require medical attention.

1. Warning signs and telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are caused due to obstruction in blood flow, leading to the accumulation of blood in the veins, especially of the legs. The symptoms can include:

  • Swelling in the legs
    A crucial symptom of deep vein thrombosis that should be taken seriously is swelling in the legs. Swelling associated with this condition can affect one or both legs.
  • Tenderness or pain
    Another telltale symptom of deep vein thrombosis is a feeling of tenderness or pain in the ankle, foot, leg, or arm. The pain might feel like a cramp that does not subside. The pain in the leg or feet might only be experienced when one walks or stands.
  • Change in affected skin’s color and temperature
    The affected area can start feeling warm. Apart from the pain, the skin around the affected area can become red or dark, and the veins in the area will become swollen and hard. The affected area can also hurt to touch.
  • Cough with blood, pain in the chest, breathlessness, and lightheadedness
    If a blood clot goes undetected and untreated, it can break free from its original position and travel through the bloodstream, hindering blood flow. It can even reach the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism, which can prove to be fatal. One should get immediate medical help if they are coughing up blood and experiencing throbbing chest pain along with pain in the leg. Other telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis that require medical advice include pain in the arm, jaw, or shoulder; breathlessness or rapid breathing; and severe lightheadedness.

2. Signs of superficial blood clots
Superficial blood clots are not deep inside the veins and are near the skin’s surface. These blood clots are usually caused by trauma to the vein, and the inflammation of the skin around the vein leads to symptoms similar to those of inflammation. Their symptoms include:

  • Feeling of warmth and tenderness on the skin
    The skin on the area of the superficial blood clot can feel warm and tender
  • Swelling and redness of the skin
    The area with the superficial blood clot starts swelling up, and the skin turns red

Superficial blood clots can make an individual feel that the veins have thickened and become firm. They may also experience inflammation in the leg, but there is no infection.