Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis can be similar to that of several other conditions. But in most cases, the blood clot in the deep vein often shows no symptoms. There are several risk factors that are associated with the condition. Therefore, if you think that you might be at greater risk, watch out for these telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis
People over the age of 60, overweight or obese, or who sit for a long duration should watch on the telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. If they notice or experience any signs, they must immediately consult their doctor. The symptoms include the following:
- Swollen legs
- Feeling of tenderness in the ankle, foot, arm, or leg
- Pain that feels like muscle spasm can also be felt in the ankle, foot, arm, or leg. The pain will be excruciating and difficult to stop.
- Pain in the foot and the leg can only be felt on walking or standing.
- The feeling of warmness on the skin of the leg
- Discoloration or redness on the skin of the leg
- Swelling, hardening, or redness on the veins
If you notice swelling and pain in your legs, which is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you need to seek medical intervention. This will help seek immediate treatment.
- Coughing blood
- Excruciating pain in the chest or any tightness in the chest
- Feeling of pain in the jaw, arm, back, or shoulder
- Fast breathing or feeling of breathlessness
- Feeling pain while breathing
- Lightheadedness which becomes severe
- Rapid heartbeat
When the blood clot in the body becomes free, it can move to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. This condition is known as pulmonary embolism, and it can prove to be fatal. Just like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism also might not cause any symptoms. But, one must be aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition.
Who needs to look out for these symptoms?
There are people who are at a greater risk of developing diseases than others. Therefore, it is imperative for them to keep a close watch on these telltale signs and symptoms to avoid complications. These include:
- Those who have reduced mobility which could be a result of being on bed rest for a long duration due to an injury or an illness
- Pregnant women
- Women taking hormone therapy or those who are on pills
- Those who smoke
- Those who have a family history
- Those who are obese or overweight