DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis Blood Clot in the Leg): Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in the leg, DVT) is a blood clot imbedded in one of the major veins of the lower body, including the legs, thighs, or pelvis. Disease and conditions that put you at risk of DVT are many, and include heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, prolonged periods of immobility, for example, sitting while traveling or confined to bed, trauma, being overweight, cancer, respiratory conditions, and advanced age.
Symptoms of DVT include redness and warmth to the touch, leg swelling, pain or tenderness in the leg, redness or discoloration of the skin on the leg, leg cramps, edema, and pain. Treatment for a blood clot in the leg include medications, a vena cava filter, and graduated compression stockings. .
You can prevent blood clots in the leg by moving around during prolonged periods of immobility, taking your medicine as your doctor has prescribed, getting up and moving as soon as possible after surgery or an illness (this lowers your chances of getting DVT), and exercising your leg muscles during long trips (particularly the lower leg muscles).
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Blood Clots
Blood is supposed to clot to help repair a blood vessel that is injured. Clots or thrombi become a problem when they form inappropriately. There are a variety of illnesses and risk factors that can lead to blood clot formation such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, strokes, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and more. Diagnosis and treatment of blood clots depends on the cause and severity of the clot. -
Hematoma
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside a blood vessel usually caused by injury to the blood vessel wall. Causes of hematoma include: trauma, head injury, bumps, infections, and diseases. Symptoms may be pain, redness, and swelling. Treatment of hematoma depends on the cause. -
Leg Pain
There are a variety of causes of leg pain. Some of the common causes include fractures, strains, sprains, bleeding, diseases such as gout, peripheral artery disease, and cancer. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, sciatica, neuropathy, joint pain, muscle injury, and skin abnormalities. Treatment of leg pain depends on the cause. -
Phlebitis
Phlebitis is the inflammation of a vein. Superficial phlebitis affects the veins on the surface of the skin. Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger veins deep in the veins. Blood clots in the legs can form from deep vein thrombophlebitis and potentially lead to pulmonary embolism.Causes of phlebitis include sedentary lifestyle, smoking, varicose veins, cancer, hormone therapy, birth control pills, obesity, or injury to the legs or arms. Symptoms and signs of phlebitis include red, tender, warm, hard, throbbing, or burning feeling along the skin. Fever, may sometimes be present. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the condition. -
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lung. The clot typically comes from other areas of the body and travels to the lung, where it becomes lodged. Pulmonary embolism can cause serious problems, from shortness of breath to instantaneous death, depending on the nature of the clot. -
Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency. When a person has a stroke, part of the blood supply to the brain is cut off or greatly decreased. There are two main types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic. Stroke symptoms include dizziness, sudden headache, weakness in an arm or leg on the same side, weakness in the muscles of the face, difficulty speaking, vision problems, and more. Treatment of stroke depends on the type and severity of the stroke suffered. -
Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke)
A transient ischemic attack (TIA), or mini-stroke, is often a warning sign of a future stroke - you should call paramedics right away (dial 911 in the U.S.). Blood clots, occluded arteries and leaking blood vessels caused by high blood pressure may cause TIAs. Symptoms: include neurologic deficits, speech problems, vision problems, and confusion. -
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are thought to be inherited in some people. Other caues of varicose veins include pregnancy, prolonged standing, obesity, straining (constipation, chronic choughing, enlarged prostate, etc.), prior surgery to the leg, and age. Treatments for varicose veins include several modalities and surgery.
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DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis Blood Clot in the Leg) Topic Guide - Visuals
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DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis Blood Clot in the Leg) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
RivaroxabanRivaroxaban is used to treat or prevent blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). These types of blood clots can ...learn more »
DalteparinDalteparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots...learn more »
EnoxaparinEnoxaparin is an anticoagulant that helps prevent the formation of blood clots...learn more »
HeparinHeparin is used to treat and prevent blood clots caused by certain medical conditions or medical procedures. Heparin is also used before surgery to reduce t...learn more »
WarfarinWarfarin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots...learn more »
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