How to Tell If You Have a Blood Clot in Your Calf After Surgery

Blood clots that occur in the leg are called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication that may occur after surgery. Surgical patients are often immobile while in recovery, allowing for the blood to gather in certain areas. Hospitals are now endeavoring to prevent blood clots by giving anticoagulants post-operatively which prevent blood from clotting.

Things You'll Need

• Mobility
• Adequate view of the legs

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Instructions

Symptoms

• 1

  Perform regular inspections of both calves after surgery.

• 2

  Look for redness and or swelling.

• 3

  Touch the skin checking for areas of warmth.

• 4

  Note any tender spots.

• 5

  Contact your physician or seek medical care if any of the above symptoms are present.