Deep vein thrombosis, DVT, is a condition in which blood clots in a deep vein, usually in the leg. This can turn serious if the clot spreads to other parts of the body. It can also develop into a pulmonary embolism. To avoid the chances of this, it may help to detect the condition early and seek treatment. There are few telltale symptoms of deep vein thrombosis that can be identified. Let’s look at them.

Swelling
When the blood flow in the vein is blocked due to a blood clot, it can cause swelling in that area. Fluid build-up leads to inflammation, which can also increase the swelling. This is an early warning sign of deep vein thrombosis. Also, the swelling might appear on only one leg, as those with DVT usually have a blood clot only in one particular leg. If the swelling occurs in both legs, it might indicate another disorder. Nevertheless, if one notices swelling in the leg, it might contain a clot and should be shown to a doctor.

Pain
A blood clot can cause the surrounding tissues in the body to not receive enough blood. This causes pain in that part of the body. DVT that usually affects the leg can cause a throbbing ache in the affected area. It can also make the calf feel heavier. In some cases, however, the pain might be dull and not irritable. Pain caused by DVT can increase when one bends the foot upwards. If the pain is persistent, you must get it checked before it turns chronic. This telltale sign shouldn’t be ignored.

Redding of skin
This symptom is prominent and easily identifiable. The inflammation in the DVT affected area, along with pain, can cause the skin to redden. It can appear to be pinker or have a purplish tinge. It may also look like a burn. You must consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of the discolored skin. If diagnosed as a deep vein thrombosis, appropriate treatment can be sought.

Warmth over blood clotted area
One may notice that the affected area might be warmer than other areas of the skin. As the inflammation worsens, the area might grow warmer and cause more pain. This symptom of DVT is tactile and can be identified when one touches the clotted area to see if it has warmed up.

Upper extremity DVT symptoms
Upper extremity DVT (UEDVT) occurs on the arms or neck and can travel to the lungs. It’s a type of DVT which may lead to pulmonary embolism. Those who have UEDVT may develop some symptoms. These include pain that moves from arm to forearm, weakness in the hand, discoloring, and shoulder pain. They may also experience swelling in the hand or arm. If these occur, be sure to consult a health provider at the earliest.