A blood clot in the leg is commonly known as a DVT, short for a deep venous thrombosis. In this article we will discuss symptoms of blood clot in leg. Common symptoms of a blood clot in your leg include leg pain, leg swelling, tenderness in the leg and leg cramping, although it is not necessary to have all of these symptoms.
Symptoms of Blood Clot in Leg – Swelling
Blood clot in right leg.
A leg DVT is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the leg. Symptoms of blood clot in leg occur because the blood clot blocks the blood flow in the vein in which it forms. Usually blood flows through the veins on its way back to the heart. When there is a clot, the blood can’t get past the clot on its way back to the heart and so there is a backlog of blood and congestion in the leg that leads to swelling. When clinically examining a patient we look for a calf that has become a few cm bigger than the other calf when measured around it.
Leg Pain and Tenderness
As we stated before, the blood clot that forms in the leg leads to a congestion of blood that can now no longer pass on its way back to the heart through the usual channels particularly if the deeper and larger veins are blocked. The congestion of blood and the swelling basically mean that the pressure in the veins is higher and that is exerted on the tissue compartments within the leg. This is why symptoms of blood clot in leg include leg pain and tenderness.
Cramping
For the same reason that leg pain and tenderness are symptoms of blood clot in leg, cramping can occur. This is due to the higher than usual pressures caused in the compartments of the leg by the blockage caused by the blood clot.
Worse With Movement
The symptoms of blood clot in leg can of course occur at rest but are typically worse with movement. Many patients report an increase in leg pain, cramping and tenderness with movement such as extending the leg or walking. Some people describe it as a deep muscle ache.
Prominent Veins on Leg Surface
The congestion caused by the blockage in the vein from a blood clot causes blood to back up not only in the deep veins of the leg, but also in the smaller surface veins that drain in to them. This can lead to prominence of veins on the surface of the leg.
Passing Out, Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain
Blood clots in the leg can possibly detach and travel up to the lung where the clot is trapped and known as a pulmonary embolism. Although this article is about symptoms of blood clot in leg, it’s important to know the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism lung clot as this starts with a clot in the leg. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and even passing out. Of course it’s very worrying if symptoms of blood clot in leg are combined with symptoms of a pulmonary embolism as that makes both diagnoses much more likely.
Symptoms of Blood Clot in Leg – Who’s at Risk?
Symptoms of blood clot in the leg do not necessarily mean there is a blood clot in the leg however in patients with a high likelihood of having a blood clot due to the presence of risk factors, then symptoms need to be taken even more seriously.
Strong risk factors include leg fractures, surgery, spinal injuries and major trauma. Other risk factors include cancer and cancer treatment, hormone therapy and use of oral contraceptives, strokes resulting in immobilization and pregnancy. Less strong, but still established risk factors include morbid obesity, older age, and travel requiring immobility for at least 8 hours.
Blood Clot In Leg – Making a Diagnosis With an Ultrasound Scan
Blood clot seen on ultrasound in the femoral vein.
When there are symptoms of blood clot in leg, its important to make a diagnosis. Once the signs and symptoms are suggestive of a blood clot in the leg the test of choice is an ultrasound scan of the legs to look for the presence of clot.
Blood Clot In Leg – Blood Test
When patients present with possible symptoms of blood clot in leg a blood test known as the D-dimer test may be useful. In patients with a high likelihood of having a blood clot in their leg this test is not done and we generally proceed straight to the ultrasound scan of the leg. In patients who are low likelihood of having a blood clot in their leg, the D-dimer blood test is done and, if negative, it rules out a clot with good accuracy.
Why It’s Important to Know
It’s very important to be aware of symptoms of blood clot in leg. This way medical attention can be obtained and a diagnosis made. Also the appropriate treatment can be started to improve patient outcomes and underlying causes for the clot in the leg can be found, which includes blood thinners. Its important to be aware of symptoms of blood clot in leg to treat and prevent recurrence of clots in the leg to prevent dangerous outcomes such as development of a pulmonary embolism lung clot that can be a potentially life threatening complication.
I am experiencing these symptoms with numbness as well. Is numbness also a sign of obstruction or DVT
It can be varying, i suggest you have an evaluation to rule out clot or other causes.
I have the swelling, but I also have tingling in the foot and numbess in the leg if I ride over 2hours by car.
I had a bilateral pulmonary embolism 2 years ago and they placed agon IVC filter to prevent further clots. However, I noticed a visible clot in my calf getting larger. I’m scared because I have chest pain from hiatal hernia so the ER visit didn’t show anything. I had a nuclear stress test and have been getting swollen red wrists and upper arm. Is this heart failure?
The first thing you need to do is get rid of that IVC filter. Mine was in 50 pieces when they took it out they are extremely dangerous. There is an IVC filter group on Facebook I would advise you to check into it I can’t remember the name of it even though I’m a member but just in the search engine put IVC filter group they can help you immensely with advice on what to do. They are extremely dangerous.
i have a big dark blue or purple knot on my leg it is bigger and almost now for 5 months. Please can you tell me what it is it is hard and sensitive but is really getting bigger
Iv had a blood clot four 8 days . On blood thinners . Clot in my leg . The pain geting better . But the swelling not going down . No wear in pain than I was . I can walk better now . Just the swelling all my leg up two the grune
What is a lumo that you can only see it pop out when you bend low on your knees
I was taken to hospital three weeks ago having collapsed in the street. I have a torn left Achilles tendon and was preparing for surgery on that, but I was diagnosed with a saddle PE and put on a heparin drip and then sent home on Eliquis. Tonight I noticed a bump on my shinbone of about 8mm diameter, hard, and very slightly black-and-blue. Also on that leg, some other very faint black-and-blue shadings. Being on the Eliquis, is this something deserving of an ER visit?
I would get it checked out if i were you.
I am post DVT but still have seven clots left in my leg. I have recently been diagnosed with a thigh embolism in my right leg where the DVT started. My question is can this clot be removed surgically or is the risk too high ? I am 46 and the last three years has been spend with complications from this DVT. I now have to wear my stocking for two years ! What then ???
Thankyou
I have been having pain i n my right leg for several weeks on the top side from my ankle to my knee and now I am having severe muscle spasms in the same place the spasms is so bad that no matter what I do nothing helps it go away only time but it always come back . I started taking potassium pills to see if that would help but it hasn’t, now there is a deep pain behind my knee . I do not have insurance so I was wondering if there is something I can do to ease the pain ? Thanks
Go to the e.r.i had pain behind my knee but a little lower..ended up with two clots,also out of breath even a little bit with elevated pulse is a sure sign…hope this helps…..
This happening to me this evening, I’ve been up all night in bed trying to get comfortable. I have pain and numbness from knee down, I noticed if I try and bed my leg I have trouble and pain to stand back up. I’ve noticed shortness of my breath after I do any activity, my veins near my ankle are pulsing out and really blue and thick
You need to be evaluated in an ER.
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Disclaimer: The comment response is opinion and in no way affiliated with my employer. It is a vague response that is not to be used as direct medical advice and in no way should replace the opinion of a medical provider.
I had Avulsion fracture in my left foot. It has healed to the punt I no longer have to wear a boot and it didn’t require surgery. A couple of weeks ago I notice two knots on my lower leg closer to my foot and dark spots. They were sore to the touch and now if I sit too long I get some numbness and tingling in my toes . Are these signs of blood clots?
Have you had an ultrasound scan?
I’ve been experiencing pain in my right leg for 10 days now. It began in the ankle and now goes into the calf, inner thigh, and lower back. I have swelling and tenderness to the touch in the lower calf and inner thigh. My vascular surgeon had an ultrasound done in office 3 days ago. I was told that I did not have a clot. But the pain and swelling persist and I get tingling sensations in my calf. I had a dvt post surgery 5 years ago with multiple pe. What should be done at this point?
Have you found out what’s going on with your leg? I have the same symptoms but my ultrasound and blood test were both negative. I’ve been to the hospital and my doctor’s office and they don’t know what the problem is. I’m worried its something serious. I have no answers and am now a bit discouraged.
I have what looks like a bruise but it only hurts in the one spot and it itches could that be something serious or just my allergies.
It needs to be checked by a medical professional.
I have congenital heart disease with livido reticularus for years and years. About 3 years ago after unloading hay wagons into the barn, I noticed pain in my left calf. There was a very large purple area with a hard lump. I showed a doctor at work (oral surgeon ) who sent me to urgent care where I was diagnosed with cellulitis. When I got more areas and this one got larger I saw my family doctor who diagnosed me with phlebitis and I started aspirin 325 a day. I continued to get more “clots”. Saw a vascular surgeon who prescribed hot showers/baths every morning and night as well. It continued to worsen. My doctor sent me another vascular surgeon who says not vein related. The cycle has continued for 3 years. I have now seen 9 specialist without a definite diagnosis. Lyme disease, cellulitis, phlebitis, erythema nodosum, platelet disorders have been ruled out. As of now I have this “rash” on my full legs, stomach and upper arms. Rheumatologist says vasculitis but negative blood work for any autoimmune diseases. With the exception of one biopsy showing panniculitis. I have had 4 doppler studies with no surface or dvt clots, no restriction in blood flow. 8 months ago I started noticing heart issues. I am very close to needing aortic valve replacement but not quite there yet. My cardiologist says before surgery there will be an infinite amount of blood work needed surrounding this diagnosis. My gut says whatever it is, it’s not good and need to figure it out. I feel like this and my heart may be related. At the same time, I am kind of tired of seeing doctors (especially without a diagnosis). I would like to use some of my time off work on a vacation, especially before surgery, rather than all the appointments. If you had a patient come in with similar condition for TAVR what would your thoughts be? My concerns are that not having a diagnosis will hold up surgery when I become more symptomatic which could be anytime. I feel pretty decent with the exception of fatigue and legs tend to be quite painful at times.
When it comes to TAVR, as long as the main arterial vessels of the leg are in tact and of decent size, the procedure can generally be performed. The presence of active infection would of course be somewhat of a contra indication to valve replacement and should be treated first.
What cancer causes blood clots please
Any cancer is a possibility in terms of causing a hypercoagulable state.
I had an ASD repair in 2011, I felt ok for most part with some tiredness, but no doctors seemed concerned. About a 2 months ago noticed tiredness was worse, especially when going up hills and when running one time felt extremely tired. Finally about 1.5 months ago, had pain in lower right side that would not go away. Went to ER thinking appendix. It was found using CT scan w dye, that I had a 14 cm long blood clot in my IVC. The clot was said to be calcified with collaterals developed which were told were good. I was told by several doctors that my IVC was torn during ASD repair. My De dimer was elevated and my legs were scanned using ultrasound and this showed no clots. I was put on 15mg of xarollto 2 times per day for 21 days, then put on 20 mg once a day I guess for life. It was thought that I may have had a acute clot on top of old clot, but am not sure this was ever confirmed. I went to Vanderbilt Hospital to be seen by top vascular surgeon there. I was told by him same thing that was old clot and when told him about my continued tiredness in legs especially when going up hills. He did not think any surgery would help, and told me to wear compression stockings to prevent blood clots in my legs. The fatigue is not getting better. I have been tiring to walk more, but it is all I can do to go 1 mile on treadmill at speed max 5 mostly at 3 and even going to 2 for leg pain. I think I may have blood clots in my legs, but they were checked. I have not had my lungs scanned, and was told even if had clots would receive same treatment. Do people with these problems taking blood thinners usually get feeling better over time or what should I expect? Is it wise to work out more to build up strength by walking or doing other exercises to raise heart rate? Does losing weight help someone like me to feel better? Should I have lungs checked or does it matter. Also I have had a bunch of blood test to see if I have a clotting disorder which were all negative. I will be thankful for any good advice. Thank You for your post!
Its difficult to comment without seeing films and knowing treatment specifics.
Have you had an echocardiogram and the heart function assessed?
Is the IVC completely occluded?
It is correct that regardless the treatment of choice for the clots would be blood thinner. Surgery is not typically effective in these instances and the hope is with conservative treatment (stockings/exercise) that the collateral circulation will continue to develop and become more effective. In terms of exercise, you may want to try a prescribed and supervised cardiac type rehab program with an emphasis on peripheral vascular disease. Losing weight never hurts in those that are overweight.
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Been having pain in my calf for a couple days now. Was in the hospital shortly before because of a possible clot in my lung but nothing was found yet not completely ruled out as I am obese and cannot get a cat scan. Could I have one in my leg? The pain is near constant but goes away when elevated.
You should get attention and likely an ultrasound of the leg to rule out clot.
If you are interested in information and therapy for heart disease then feel free to follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
I have a small mass on my left leg on the inside of the thigh just above my knee. My entire top part of the leg is sensitive and tender and painful. My dr did an ultrasound and it didn’t show anything. However my d-dimer was high. I did have an MRI done and am awaiting those results. I’m wondering if it’s possible to miss a clot on an ultrasound??
It would be rare to miss a clot on a dedicated ultrasound.
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um your’re wrong with that answer..i had a dvt had a scan came bavk nag but ddimer was very high…so they got me nack at hospital a wk later euth a different technician doing the scan and it was positive.
Unfortunate in your case. It is rare however.
Thank you for these comments, I had a dvt behind my right knee about 4 months after an AAA triple abdominal repair. I had a stent put in and cured …
Now same symptoms but different Dr’s and it’s been going on for about 3 months. I go in with leg pain, shortness of breath d-dimer test elevatid so they do the chest x-ray and CT scan and say I absolutely don’t have a blood clot since nothing shows in my chest scans. I keep asking them if clots could be in arms or legs since last one I had was in my leg. They tell me no, shortness of breath and painful bruising ARE NOT THE SIGNS OF blood clots. they ask me if I’m on blood thinners and I reply yes and the tell me that’s all they can do and cancel the sonogram for arms and legs the triage nurse orderd and send me home. I’m so frustrated. And I’m feeling worse. Today my heart rate and BP is starting to drop and just don’t feel right. 108/52 heart rate is 56.
I really don’t want to go back to ER just to get belittled and turned me away again
Sincerely
Tami in Oregon
HI Dr Ahmed, my mother is 69 y.o. diabetic and was recently treated for a blood clot in her leg (xaralto for 3 months). In the meantime she failed a medication stress test which showed “25% blockage with 10% reversible”. I spoke to the cardiologist over the phone (we live in different stated) and he wants to perform a cardiac catheterization test this Thursday!-entering through her forearm. She is taking aspirin daily and he said to continue that. I told him that the treatment just ended for the blood clot but her pain has become soo bad that she cant walk a few feet without severe pain! he doesn’t think its the blood clot, I begged her to go to her pcp today and ask for an untrasound to check the status of the clot-the pcp refused that and said it is from her diabetic neuropathy BUT THIS PAIN IS MUCH WORSE amd ONLY when she stands and puts weight on it! he also said something about the ultrasound would not be a helpful tool. So, she is having the catheterization test and Im frightened for her safety. The cardiologist told me ” the clot cant break off and cause a pulmonary embolism”. How can he know that? I live on the other side of the Country and Im afraid for her safety during that procedure. Can there still be a big undissolved clot? Is this test safe?! I t would be extremely hard for me to get to her on short notice but I am afraid she can die or have a stroke . Thank you and God bless
A few things.
Firstly why was the stress test done. If it was done for symptoms of chest pain or worsening shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms then it can be interpreted as a positive stress test with clinical indication. If there are no symptoms it is different. If the stress test was felt to have a severe defect then catheterization may be appropriate particularly if there are symptoms. If moderate, then sometimes catheterization is indicated or sometimes medication is preferred. Its difficult to say without knowing the clinical context.
The treatment for the blood clot seems appropriate, if she has had continuing symptoms or worsening and is now off the blood thinner, i agree an ultrasound may be indicated, if her Dr doesn’t feel thats the case then maybe discuss with him and determine his reasoning so you can be assured. If she was still on the blood thinner then i would agree a repeat scan may not be useful. Once again, i would defer to the treating dr since they have seen and examined her and know the clinical context. Maybe have the cardiologist look at the leg when the cath is done.
In the procedure, the path to the heart is through the artery whereas her clot was in her vein, so the procedure itself should not affect a clot even if there was one.
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Dr Ahmed, THANK YOU SOO MUCH for taking the time to respond to me.
She had the stress test in order to get clearance for surgery on her shoulder-at that time she mentioned having intermittent pain in her chest area (but it sounded more like muscle pain) .
When I spoke to the cardiologist he said that he didn’t perform the stress test and there was some evidence that at some time she may have had a heart attack without knowing it -due to scarring. and that there was “25% blockage with 10% reversible” so that along with chest pain (possibly musculature) warranted the catheterization.
I almost feel that the test may not be warranted at this point -her blood sugars are controlled but have been as high as 700’s! and the fact that she is on aspirin now-I’m afraid the chance of a complication would be greater than just treating her with medication
She is on Lisinopril for moderate hypertension and insulin & gabapentin for neuropathy.
i have been having this strange leg feeling. from about mid calf down through the ankle and foot i have been feeling a tingling sensationq. sometimes burning no pain. no swelling. feels better with movement. tingling doesnt stop when resting. tingling gets worse if i sit like on a toilet or the edge of a chair. its been 24 hours since it started suddenly.
i suffer from lower back pain constantly andni had my husband rub my back. he got to a point midway down my buttcheek amd it hurt so bad and made tingling worse from calf down.
Hello,
I was diagnosed with a clot in my jugular vein about 4 yrs ago, was on thinners for 2yrs. Then taken off of them, they never found the cause of the jugular vein clot, I have no insurance so they didn’t try hard to e determine the cause. Never have had a port, cancer nothing but Fibro and neuropathy,
Now, Last week I began to experience excessive swelling only in my right leg, with redness and pain.
The left leg start to swell after about 3 days of the right, now the swelling is gone down on the left side but is worse on the original right side, with pain and warmth now the skin on the front of my calf has began to change color, to a spotted, reddish hue, along with pain in my lower back and groin area,
I went to the ER when the swelling was at its worst, and the skin was warm to the touch, and painful, but not discolored at that point, They did a quick ultrasound (if you could call that) along with blood test. And a quick in the room chest Xray, I was sent home with the diagnosis of lower extremities edema. What’s your take on that?
You need to be evaluated for causes of leg swelling, i would ensure you seek an evaluation with a healthcare provider and not let the issue slip, the ER is not the place for a full evaluation.
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My mom was us had o hospital for emergency surgery this morning. She has a blood clot in her leg. A week ago she was having chest pains she has had shortness of breath for awhile before her chest pain. And now her leg went numb this morning. She is getting emergency surgery for the clot. Will she be ok. What are her risks and how big are chance of surving
What was the emergency surgery, clots in legs when treated appropriately typically result in good outcomes. Blood thinner is in general the appropriate treatment.
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My right calf is 2 inches larger than left has been for 6 months now had blood test for dvt it was negative and was sent home it’s not any better what else can it be I’m worried because they refused ultrasound said it wasnt necessary and it’s getting slightly larger
I’m having an annoying kind of slight pain on the left leg where the calf is but more to the side. and I also feel cramping in my feet as well. not sure what it is but I do feel it more and more each day. could this be something serious?
I have leg swelling in both legs, feet and calves and my hands and feet have started turning blue lately. It isn’t from the cold.
I do have Raynaud’s but that causes my fingers to turn red .
I have had times where my right leg swelled 3x the normal size and I couldn’t out pressure on it. My legs are normally very skinny. I’m 85 lbs, but they look and feel very swollen, heavy and painful to the touch. Now they are turning blue.
Is this something I should be concerned about?
I certainly would advise medical evaluation.
I have terrible leg pain from thigh, behind my knee and down to my foot in left leg, although I’m fine during the day. Seems as long as I’m moving the pain and ache goes away.
I’ve had left leg swelling from knee to ankle(slight but noticeable) with big veins on front lower leg becoming more visible but not appearing “ropelike” for 3 weeks straight now. I also have many tiny blue, red and purple veins forming a web like pattern (I’m assuming are varicose) on my left ankle . These recently seem to have spread more and increased. I have no calf pain tho. Within a week of developing the leg swelling i also had heavy post menopausal (3 years) bleeding for a week and then intermittent spotting that’s continued, deep gnawing lower abdomen pain, extreme pain with intercourse and spotting after, and flu like symptoms. I have 4th stage endometriosis and a strong family history of ovarian cancer in my immediate family. I read that blood clots can be tied to gynecologic cancer. Is this true? I don’t have insurance and I’m trying to figure out if I really should be prioritizing this more than I am.
Also I just want to tell you how amazing it it that you take time to read and reply to comments left. How refreshing it is to see a Doctor engage like you do. Thank you!
I think a basic check up and maybe an ultrasound scan of the leg is likely warranted given all going on.
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Just had a dvt diagnosed that went from below knee up past groin. Had procedure down to dissolve and break up clot. This was done twice. Upon completion, a stent was placed in the vein. Cause of clot was determined to be Mae Thurner Syndrome. Left hospital three days later on eliquis. Leg is very achy, great difficulty trying to extend leg, shin is superficially numb,still have quite a bit of swelling in leg, and leg feels as though it is wrapped in ace bandage. Help—not feeling good at all, pain wakes me up. How long should I expect to have all these problems.
This may be some form of post phlebitic issue, i would recommend bringing this up with your specialist initially and discuss treatment options.
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I have tingling and cramping in my right leg that occurs in different parts of my leg ranging from the front of my shin to my calf to my inner mid thigh. This occurred about 8 months ago after sitting for an extended time, it went away after about 2 weeks. Recently I flew round trip to Mexico and the issue has returned. I dont have any stabbing pain, I can walk without pain, it seems to be more noticable when I sit down. Please help. I’m overweight and nervous what’s going on. I am flying to Thailand in Jan from Texas and am getting anxiety I may have a clot.
You should be evaluated and a clot amongst other possibilities should be ruled out.
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I have been having extreme pain in my right leg from my knee down. Now it is swelling around my ankle and in my leg. I seen my family Dr. This past Monday. He seam to think it was my sciatic nerve causing my problem. He gave me two shots and told me that the problem would be gone within 12 to 24 hours with the shots, well it’s going on day 8 with the pain the shots did not work. mind you the Thursday before I had a heart cath done to check for blockage in my heart because I’ve been having problems with really low blood pressure nearly passing out or really high blood pressure with palpitations from my heart. Dizziness and cold sweets. Could this be a blood clot? I even made mention to my family doctor if that’s a possibility and he said no it was probably my sciatic which now I do know is not the problem.
Hi! So About 6-8 weeks ago I had pain on the top of my foot the nerves killed it hurt to even touch or bend it. It swelled up really bad and I got an X-ray the doc said it looked like a stress fracture. 6-8 later the pain is almost gone hardly there but the swelling won’t go away. I was told it was edema. Can that happen after an injury and should I be concerned about a blood clot? When I press down on my foot it leaves indentation marks feels like putty is under my skin