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Step 1
Watch for pain or discomfort around the area. Be especially attentive if the pain occurs after a long period of non-movement of the appendage, such as leg pain after a long car or plane ride.
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Step 2
Check for swelling. Blood clots cause noticeable swelling in the area due to blood flow being restricted, and pooling. Usually the swelling occurs above the area where the clot occurs.
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Step 3
Feel the area for warmth. Because of the blood pooling, the area feels warmer to the touch than the rest of the body.
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Step 4
Notice any discoloration. Around where the clot is and where the blood pools, the skin will appear darker, perhaps even purple-ish. The blood that cannot pass through the vein due to the clot causes this discoloration.
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Step 5
Familiarize yourself with risk factors associated with blood clotting. Several genetic disorders cause clotting, as well as medications such as birth control. Also, certain activities that require inactivity for prolonged periods of time, such as road trips and immobilization, lead to higher risks for a clot.
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Step 6
See a doctor. He can order an ultrasound of the area to identify whether it's a clot or not. Deep vein thrombosis is a medical emergency, so if a clot is present, hospitalization is usually necessary in order to administer anti-coagulants to break up the clot safely.
