2. Swelling in One Limb
Women suffering with leg pain, ankle pain, inflammation and red swelling.
Credit: Shutterstock
A common sign of DVT is swelling in an leg or arm. “Blood clots can block the healthy flow of blood in the legs, and blood can pool behind the clot causing swelling,” explains Dr. Navarro. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of a blood clot in the leg include swelling, redness, and tenderness.2 If you notice sudden swelling, especially with pain, it’s important to consult a doctor.
3. Pain in the Leg or Arm
Arm pain
DVT pain usually comes with swelling or redness, but it can also happen on its own. This pain is often mistaken for a muscle cramp or strain. “Pain from a blood clot can easily be mistaken for a muscle cramp or strain, which is why the issue often goes undiagnosed and is specifically dangerous,” Dr. Navarro says. DVT pain typically worsens when walking or flexing the foot. This pain might remind you of a nasty muscle cramp or a charley horse.
4. Redness and Warmth
The man’s calf muscle cramped, massage of male leg at home, painful area highlighted in red
Credit: Shutterstock
A DVT can cause redness and make the affected limb feel warm to the touch. While bruises are visible types of blood clots, DVTs are not. You might see some discoloration, but redness is more common. This symptom, paired with warmth in the affected area, is a signal that you need medical attention. Your leg may also feel warm as the clot worsens, and you may notice a slight reddish or bluish hue to your skin. While looking like Hellboy or Mystique is cool at Comic Con, it isn’t something your Boyd should be doing naturally.
Read More: Blood Tests Could One Day Replace Biopsies and MRIs for These Conditions
