Blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)

Overview

Risks include surgery, long trips, cancer, pregnancy, and birth control pills.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• One leg swollen and painful
• One leg or calf swollen, warm, and tender

Less common

• Warmth
• Red or darker skin

When to get medical care

Causes

Slow blood flow, vein damage, clotting tendency.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Surgery
• Long travel
• Cancer
• Pregnancy

Possible complications

• Pulmonary embolism

Diagnosis

An ultrasound finds the clot.

Questions you may be asked

• Recent surgery, travel, medicines

The exam

Leg exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Leg ultrasound:
• D-dimer:

Treatment

Take blood thinners as prescribed.

Self-care

• Walk as advised
• Wear compression stockings if told

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent clots:

• Move on long trips
• Walk after surgery

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a vascular specialist (blood vessel doctor).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment works well.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• How long will I take blood thinners?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)