How to Detect a Blood Clot in the Leg

Blood clots in your leg, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a serious condition that should be treated by a doctor as soon as possible. The danger with DVT is that the blood clot can move from your legs into your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. DVT commonly occurs after lengthy period of immobility, such as a hospital stay or an airplane flight.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Feel for any sharp pains in your legs, especially your calf. The pain often feels like a leg cramp. The pain can move from your legs into your ankles and feet.

2. Pay attention to swelling in your leg, foot, and/or ankle. Swelling could be a sign of a blood clot. A clot restricts blood flow, which causes swelling.

3. Look for warmth and/or redness around the area where you think you may have a blood clot.

Tips & Warnings

• The following increase your risk of developing a blood clot: taking an oral contraceptive, smoking, family history of DVT, pregnancy and being overweight.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms

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