How severe is leg pain from a blood clot?

Blood clots in the legs can be life-threatening. But even after the clots resolve with treatment, some people are left with long-lasting pain, swelling and heaviness in their legs that makes it difficult to walk.
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Does a blood clot in leg hurt all the time?

Like leg pain, the cramping sensation with DVT will persist and even worsen with time. It won't clear up with stretching or walking it off like an ordinary charley horse. Some people get thigh cramps or feel a throbbing sensation along with the cramping. Many of the symptoms of DVT are due to blocked blood flow.
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What does leg pain from blood clot feel like?

Signs that you may have a blood clot

leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness. swelling in the affected leg. redness or discoloration of the sore spot. the affected area feeling warm to the touch.
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Do you have constant pain with a blood clot?

While chest pain may signal a heart issue, it can also be a sign of a clot. The chest pain will be constant or happen when you take deep breaths. “It may feel like a shooting pain that starts in your front and travels to the back in the chest area,” says Dr.
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How can you tell the difference between a blood clot and leg pain?

whereas cramp can be 'walked off' and thus go away, pain caused by a blood clot is more likely to persist. bending the foot at the ankle, so that the toes point upwards, will cause or intensify pain in the calf muscle if a blood clot is present.
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Leg blood clots: symptoms and diagnosis | Ohio State Medical Center



How do I know if my leg pain is serious?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.
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How does blood clot pain feel?

The feeling can range from a dull ache to intense pain. You may notice the pain throbs in your leg, belly, or even your arm. Warm skin. The skin around painful areas or in the arm or leg with the DVT may feel warmer than other skin.
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How do you know if a blood clot is moving?

A rapid heartbeat. Chest pain or discomfort that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough. Coughing up blood. Feeling lightheaded or faint.
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How long does leg pain last with DVT?

It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling.
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How can I ease the pain of a blood clot?

To ease the pain and swelling of a DVT, you can try the following at home:
  1. Wear graduated compression stockings. These specially fitted stockings are tight at the feet and become gradually looser up on the leg, creating gentle pressure that keeps blood from pooling and clotting.
  2. Elevate the affected leg. ...
  3. Take walks.
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Does a blood clot feel like a pulled muscle?

These symptoms of a blood clot may feel similar to a pulled muscle or a “Charley horse,” but may differ in that the leg (or arm) may be swollen, slightly discolored, and warm. Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have any of these symptoms, because you may need treatment right away.
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Where is DVT pain located?

The pain caused by a DVT, which may feel more like a cramp or tender area, is usually felt in the calf muscles or along the vein as it travels down your inner thigh.
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What are the first signs of a blood clot?

Symptoms of a blood clot include:
  • throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg or arm.
  • sudden breathlessness, sharp chest pain (may be worse when you breathe in) and a cough or coughing up blood.
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How do you check for blood clots at home?

These include:
  1. Swelling in one or both legs.
  2. Changes in the color of the affected leg - typically to a blue or purple shade.
  3. A warm feeling of the skin on the affected limb.
  4. Leg tenderness or pain.
  5. Tired or restless leg that doesn't appear to go away.
  6. Reddening or discoloration of the skin on the leg.
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Does blood clot pain radiate?

What are the Symptoms of DVT? Not everyone will experience symptoms; in fact, some individuals never experience any symptoms. Those that do, however, may complain of swelling in the affected leg or pain radiating from that leg that starts in the calf and feels like a soreness or severe cramping sensation.
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How do I know if my calf pain is DVT?

Symptoms of DVT in the leg are: throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh. swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs) warm skin around the painful area.
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How should I sleep with a blood clot in my leg?

Raise your feet when sleeping

To help promote circulation while you're sleeping, try elevating your legs. You can do this by putting a pillow under your feet or by raising the foot of your bed. It doesn't have to be a major lift — just a few inches will greatly help your circulation and reduce your risk of blood clots.
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How do I know if my DVT is getting worse?

If you have any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away: Sudden cough, which may be bloody. Rapid breathing or sudden shortness of breath, even while resting. Chest pain: sharp or stabbing, burning, aching, or dull (might get worse with deep breaths, coughing, eating, or bending)
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How long does the pain last with a blood clot?

The pain and swelling from a DVT usually start to get better within days of treatment. Symptoms from a pulmonary embolism, like shortness of breath or mild pain or pressure in your chest, can linger 6 weeks or more. You might notice them when you're active or even when you take a deep breath.
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Is it OK to massage a blood clot?

If you are currently being treated for DVT, do not massage your legs. Massage could cause the clot to break loose.
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Can you walk with a blood clot in your leg?

Following a DVT, your leg may be swollen, tender, red, or hot to the touch. These symptoms should improve over time, and exercise often helps. Walking and exercise are safe to do, but be sure to listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
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How long can you survive with DVT?

After excluding autopsy-discovered cases, the median duration of follow-up was 7.4 years for deep vein thrombosis and 6.1 years for pulmonary embolism.
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How do doctors check for blood clots in legs?

An ultrasound is the most common diagnostic test for DVT and uses sound waves to create a picture of the arteries and veins in the leg. Doctors also can order a blood test known as the D-dimer test. Computed tomography (CT) scans are typically used to diagnose PE.
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What are symptoms of blood clot in leg?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include:
  • Leg swelling.
  • Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf.
  • Change in skin color on the leg — such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin.
  • A feeling of warmth on the affected leg.
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What is vascular leg pain like?

Vascular pain is pain that is caused as a result of interruption of blood flow to a tissue or muscles. If you are experiencing lack of circulation, pain, or heaviness in certain areas, you might be having vascular pain. There also may be numbness, weakness, or a tingling feeling in the affected area.
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