How to Identify Symptoms of a Deep-Vein Thrombosis

A deep-vein thrombosis is a potentially life-threatening situation in which a blood clot (also known as a thrombis) has broken loose in one of the body's deep veins and may cause a blockage, or even travel into the lungs.A deep-vein thrombosis or blood clot is typically found in the lower extremeties such as the foot or calf area, thought such a clot may also be found in the thigh, pelvis or even the arm.A blood clot or thrombosis is caused by a pooling of blood in a vein that sets off clotting factors in the body. Such pooling may occur during extended periods of bed rest (which is why it is recommended that bed-bound individuals turn over and change position every couple of hours) following surgical procedures or those recovering from long-term illnesses such as bone fractures, heart attacks or strokes.Experienced by men or women over the age of 40, and more commonly in men than women, a deep vein thrombosis may cause potential complications such as embolisms to the lungs, heart or other body organs.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch carefully for signs of tenderness or swelling in the legs following any type of surgery, injury or prolonged bed rest. In many cases, this area may often feel painful to the touch.

• 2

  Feel the tender area. Does the skin feel warm there? This is often another indication that blood is pooling and the warmth can actually be felt with the hands. The area may also appear red, like a first-degree burn might look.

• 3

  Pay attention to any sensation of pain or tingling when walking on a sore limb. This pain may increase when weight is placed on the foot or leg, and won't go away after pressure is released or you have sat down.

• 4

  Raise the leg and try flexing or rotating your foot. If you feel pain doing so, contact your physician. This is also a classic sign of a deep-vein thrombosis that many individuals mistake for edema, or accumulation of fluids in the foot. While they are similar and are both caused by excess fluids, swelling caused by a blood clot requires immediate medical attention.

• 5

  Take your temperature. Sometimes, a deep-vein thrombosis is accompanied by a fever.