Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that’s serious and life-threatening.  This is a condition that can affect anyone, although it is more likely to occur in smokers, overweight people, or those over 60. It is a painful condition that, when left untreated, can be dangerous. It is estimated that that 10-30% will die within one month of their diagnosis. However, that’s because many don’t know the warning signs, so they fail to get medical treatment before the condition turns serious. The good news is that DVT can be successfully treated and stabilized when it’s diagnosed as early as possible.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss discuss common warming signs of DVT in both upper and lower extremities. In this article, you will learn the top 7 warming signs of DVT. Among these warming signs, four of them are commonly found in lower leg DVT, and three are commonly found in upper arm DVT. Lastly, you will also learn the top 10 most frequently asked questions about DVT.

Thrombosis is a medical term that refers to a blood clot. When you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), you develop a blood clot in a vein that’s deep below the surface. While DVT may affect your arms or pelvis, it most often occurs in the lower leg.

DVT becomes a serious health threat when a piece of the blood clot breaks loose, travels through the bloodstream to your lungs, and blocks blood flow in one of the pulmonary arteries. This condition called a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening.

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot develops, blocking veins and stopping blood from circulating as it should. Blood clots can occur for a number of reasons, including:

● Surgery: in some cases, surgical operations can cause blood clots through accidental damage to the blood vessels. Increased time in bed while recovering from surgery, combined with low mobility, can further increase the risk of blood clots forming.

● Injury: any injury sustained in daily life that damages a blood vessel’s wall can cause blood clots. It may prevent blood from flowing properly, in turn causing blood clots to form.

● Cancer: both cancer and treatment for cancer can increase your risk of developing blood clots, which in turn cause DVT.

● Hormone replacement therapy: if hormone replacement therapy contains estrogen, this can increase the risk of women developing blood clots during treatment.

● Sedentary activity: people who live a sedentary lifestyle, often as a result of old age or disability, are more prone to developing blood clots. Blood builds in the legs during long periods of inactivity, causing clots to develop as a result.

About half of deep vein thrombosis sufferers don’t experience warning signs. However, those that do might get the following:

1. Leg swelling – About 70% of all patients develop swelling, which is the top warning sign of DVT. If your DVT is in your thigh or calf, you’ll only have swelling in the affected leg. However, if the blood clot is in your pelvis, you can develop swelling in both legs. In some cases, chronic pelvic pain may also be a symptom of a condition known as pelvic congestion syndrome. If you experience chronic pelvic pain that doesn’t improve with treatment, it may be worth considering this possibility.

Enlarged, sore veins and cramping The leg swelling above is often accompanied by visibly swollen veins. These will feel painful or hard to the touch. Along with swelling, sufferers of deep vein thrombosis might also experience sharp, painful cramps in the leg. These usually start in the calf before spreading to the rest of the leg.

2. Leg pain – Leg pain is the second most common sign, as it appears in 50% of all patients. Your pain may be mild or severe, but the extent of the pain isn’t associated with the size of the blood clot. The pain caused by a DVT, which may feel more like a cramp or tender area, is usually felt in the calf muscles or along the vein as it travels down your inner thigh.

3. Foot or ankle pain – Patients with deep vein thrombosis may also experience sudden and severe pain in their ankle or foot. Similar to the aforementioned cramping but otherwise a separate symptom, this is often sharp and unexplained.

4. Warmth and discoloration in the skin – Some deep vein thrombosis sufferers may feel a warm sensation in their skin, typically in their leg area. This warmth occurs where the clot is in your body, and is noticeable by the difference in temperature between the affected patch and surrounding areas. This affected area may also become a pale color, usually a red or blue shade.

Like those suffering from deep vein thrombosis in their leg, people who have DVT in their upper limbs may also not notice any signs. However, those that do might experience the symptoms below. Neck and shoulder pain.

The most noticeable sign of deep vein thrombosis in the upper limbs is a sharp pain around the neck and shoulders. This might make movement difficult or impact your sleep.

1. Arm pain – As well as localized pain in the neck and shoulders, sufferers of deep vein thrombosis may also notice a pain in their arms too. This typically starts in the upper arm, before moving to the forearm with time.

2. Arm swelling Similar to sufferers of DVT in their legs, patients might also experience swelling in their hands or arms. This is also typically unexplained, occurring suddenly and without an obvious cause.

3. Color changes and weakness in the affected areas – DVT may cause the area the clot appears to become discolored, generally with a pale blue hue. This might also be accompanied by weakness in said area. A sufferer may struggle to pick up objects, open doors, or perform other basic actions.

1. How Long Can You Have DVT Without Knowing?

You can have DVT (deep vein thrombosis) without knowing for several days or weeks. However, some people may experience swelling, pain, or warmth in the affected area. It is essential to seek medical attention if you suspect DVT to prevent potential complications.

2. Does DVT Pain Go Away When Sitting?

No, DVT pain may not go away completely when sitting. Sitting for long periods can worsen DVT symptoms, leading to decreased blood flow and increased pressure in the affected area. It is important to keep moving and avoid prolonged sitting or immobility if you have DVT.

3. What Does DVT Feel Like?

DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can feel different for each person, but common symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness in the affected area. Some people may also experience a feeling of heaviness or achiness in the affected limb.

4. How Painful Is DVT?

DVT can range from mild to severe pain, depending on the individual and the extent of the clot. Others may experience severe pain and swelling, while others may only feel a dull ache. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect DVT to prevent potential complications.

5. What Does Deep Vein Thrombosis Feel Like?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness in the affected area. Some people may also experience a feeling of heaviness or achiness in the affected limb. However, some people may not experience any symptoms, making DVT a potentially silent and dangerous condition.

6. What Are The Warning Signs Of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can include swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness in the affected area, as well as a feeling of heaviness or achiness in the affected limb. However, some people may not experience any symptoms, making DVT a potentially silent and dangerous condition.

7. Does DVT Pain Come And Go?

The pain associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can come and go, depending on factors such as activity level and medication use. However, it is important to note that DVT pain can also persist and worsen over time, and may require medical intervention.

8. Can Inner Thigh Pain Be A Blood Clot?

Yes, inner thigh pain can be a symptom of a blood clot, particularly if the pain is accompanied by swelling, warmth, or redness in the affected area. This can indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially serious condition that requires medical attention.

9. Is DVT Pain Constant?

The pain associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can vary from person to person, and may not always be constant. The pain may come and go, or it may persist and worsen over time. However, other symptoms such as swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected area may be present.

10. How long will I have to stay on blood thinners?

It depends on what caused your clot. Someone who’s had a DVT typically takes blood thinners for 6 months. If the clot had just one cause, like surgery, and you don’t have any other risk factors for DVT, it might be less time. If it was because of an inherited condition or an ongoing (chronic) disease, it could be longer.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have deep vein thrombosis or circulation-related leg problems and would like to learn more about treatment options, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.