How Do You Know if You Have a Blood Clot in Your Leg?
While relatively common, blood clots in your legs are a serious and sometimes deadly condition. Of the 900,000 Americans who will experience a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) each year, 100,000 will die. That’s why it’s important to seek vein treatment quickly.
Just having a DVT in your leg isn’t inherently dangerous. However, the clot could break free of the vein and travel to your lungs. Once in the lungs, the clot becomes a pulmonary embolism which can be fatal.
Symptoms of a Blood Clot
Sometimes, blood clots in your legs have no symptoms. But when they do, the symptoms are distinct. They can include:
- Swelling,
- Pain and tenderness,
- Redness.
The pain you feel will remind you of a cramp or Charley horse, but it won’t get better with rest. The pain will stay the same or increase in severity. As the clot becomes worse, the skin around it may start to feel warm or even have a bluish cast.
What Causes DVTs?
Blood clots in your legs can be caused by myriad factors. Recent surgery can lead to blood clots, especially if you’ve had extended periods of inactivity following the surgical procedure. Some medical conditions, including pregnancy, can cause a blood clot as well. Other causes include:
- Obesity,
- Smoking,
- Heart failure,
- Age,
- Sedentary lifestyle,
- Family history,
- Inflammatory bowel disease.
Do Varicose Veins Cause Blood Clots?
Yes, varicose veins can cause a type of superficial blood clot that’s not as serious as a deep vein thrombosis. Varicose veins usually occur very close to the surface of the skin so the chances of the clot traveling to your legs are minimal. However, DVTs can still occur in very serious cases of varicose veins. That’s why it’s best to seek treatment for varicose veins before they pose a health risk.
If you are concerned, it’s best to have a doctor evaluate your legs and recommend varicose vein treatment. Contact our office for an appointment today.