Information on Blood Clots Causing Knee Pain

In many cases, knee pain can be a sign of damage, arthritis or wear and tear on the joint. However, leg pain can be a sign of a blood clot, which is often shrugged off as simple leg pain.

Common Names

• There are several common names for blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis or DVT. When the blood clot moves from the leg to the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism.

Symptoms

• Some of the common symptoms of blood clots in the leg include swelling, pain in the calf or behind the knee, a warm spot, discolored skin, and shortness of breath.

Risk Factors

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a host of risk factors that are attributed to blood clots and knee or leg pain, including a broken bone, a recent fall, an accident, pregnancy or taking birth control, menopause, being immobile or obesity.

Treatment

• The treatment for a blood clot and knee pain focuses on several goals, including stopping the clot from becoming larger, preventing it from moving, and reducing the development of additional clots. Anticoagulants are one of the most common treatment options and will decrease your body's ability to clot and prevent clots from becoming larger. Other types of medication may also be prescribed or a filter may be put in the veins to filter the blood. Compression stockings often reduce swelling and keep the blood from pooling.

Prevention/Solution

• If you are at risk for a blood clot, it is important to see a doctor to prevent the health problem. Have regular checkups, take any medicine that you are prescribed, and maintain proper exercise and nutrition.