Symptoms of a Blood Clot in Groin Area

A blood clot can be a very serious condition, especially if a clot dislodges or travels through a vein or artery to the lungs, brain or heart. Blood clots can form anywhere from clusters of blood cells that stick and clump together, and are most commonly found in the lower extremities, the groin area, and the neck. Learning to recognize the symptoms of a blood clot in the groin area may help individuals seek immediate treatment and prevent complications. Clots are most common in older individuals, and those who have recently undergone surgery.

Swelling

• Blood clots often cause swelling in the extremity closest to the clot location. In the case of a blood clot in the groin, and individual might notice swelling of the thigh or calf. In many cases, this swelling may not be very noticeable, considering the location of the clot, but for others the swelling may be extreme as the interruption of blood flow through the extremity is compromised, leading to an accumulation of fluids called edema.

Reddened Skin

• An area of reddened skin may be noticed in the groin, caused by the perfusion of blood that may collect in nearby tissues as the clot interferes with normal blood flow as well as the growth and development of cell structures in and around the groin area.

Pain

• Many people suffering from a blood clot in the groin may feel tenderness in the localized area, or even in other parts of the leg. Bruising is not usually apparent. Soreness may be mild or moderate, as a result of gentle pressure on the inside thigh area or other parts of the leg where skin is more tender and sensitive to pressure. Many people experience pain in the calf and foot of the affected leg.

Warmth

• The accumulation of blood in any single area may cause surrounding tissues to grow warm. Sometimes, swelling is also present. People with a groin area blood clot may often feel an isolated warm spot somewhere on the leg.

Additional Symptoms

• Additional symptoms of a blood clot in the groin may include (if the clot or a piece of the clot has broken off) a feeling of dizziness and anxiety. Pain may be more noticeable or disappear completely as the blood clot travels through the vein or artery. Deep vein thrombosis is the most commonly experienced type of blood clot among those who sit or stand for long periods of time, with numbness or tingling often felt in the leg or both legs.