Can you have deep vein thrombosis and not know it?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.


Can deep vein thrombosis go unnoticed?

In some cases, there may be no symptoms of DVT. If symptoms do occur they can include: pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh) a heavy ache in the affected area.

How long can DVT last undetected?

Living 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. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings.


What does a deep vein blood clot feel like?

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. red or darkened skin around the painful area.

How do you know you have deep vein thrombosis?

Tests used to diagnose or rule out DVT include:
  1. D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood clots. ...
  2. Duplex ultrasound. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to create pictures of how blood flows through the veins. ...
  3. Venography. ...
  4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.


Deep Vein Thrombosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment



Can deep vein thrombosis cure itself?

Can deep vein thrombosis go away on its own? Though the clots associated with DVT often dissolve on their own, some diagnosed with DVT may need treatment to avoid serious and fatal complications such as pulmonary embolism.

What is the most common site for deep vein thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm.

Does deep vein thrombosis hurt all the time?

A blood clot in a leg vein may cause pain, warmth and tenderness in the affected area. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain or swelling. Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.


How painful is deep vein thrombosis?

Your pain may be mild or severe, but the extent of the pain isn't associated with the size of the blood clot. 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.

When should I worry about deep vein thrombosis?

Call 911 or go to an emergency room right away if you notice leg pain or swelling and: Sudden coughing, which may bring up blood. Sharp chest pain or chest tightness. Pain in your shoulder, arm, back, or jaw.

Is walking good for deep vein thrombosis?

Conclusions: Early walking exercise is safe in patients with acute DVT and may help to reduce acute symptoms. Exercise training does not increase leg symptoms acutely in patients with a previous DVT and may help to prevent or improve the postthrombotic syndrome.


What happens if DVT is left untreated?

If left untreated, the clot may become larger and cause significant swelling or pain in your arm or legs. An embolism can also break off and travel to your lungs, causing breathing difficulty, chest pain, and putting stress on your heart. We call this condition pulmonary embolism (PE).

Can a blood clot stay in your leg for years?

As many as half of those who get a DVT in their legs develop symptoms of intermittent leg pain and swelling that may last months to years. These symptoms are called post-thrombotic syndrome and can happen because of damage to the valves and inner lining of your veins leading to blood “pooling” more than it should.

What can mimic deep vein thrombosis?

Emergent mimics of a DVT include acute arterial occlusion, phlegmasia cerulea dolens, compartment syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis, with less emergent mimics including congestive heart failure, cellulitis, vasculitis, nephrotic syndrome, lymphedema, venous stasis, and Baker's cyst.


Can you have deep vein thrombosis without swelling?

A common symptom of DVT is a leg swollen below the knee. You may have redness and tenderness or pain in the area of the clot. But you won't always have these. About half of people with DVT get no warning signs.

Does a DVT hurt when resting?

You may notice the pain is worse when you are walking or standing for periods of time. People sometimes mistake the pain for a pulled muscle or another muscle injury. But pain from a DVT blood clot will tend to get worse and not better with time or rest. Pain is another warning sign of a DVT blood clot.

How fast does DVT progress?

Conclusions: Although most DVTs develop within the first week, some develop later, and some early DVTs progress. Any prophylaxis needs to be started early but ideally continued for at least 4 weeks.


What signs and symptoms below would possibly indicate a deep vein thrombosis is present?

Signs and symptoms of a DVT include: redness, swelling, warm extremity, pain, positive Homan's Sign, and swelling (which can be unilateral… meaning there is more swelling in one extremity compared to the other).

Should you 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. If you are scheduled for surgery, ask your surgeon what you can do to help prevent blood clots after surgery. Stop smoking.

Should you put a heating pad on a blood clot?

It is possible for DVT to resolve itself, but there is a risk of recurrence. To help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with DVT, patients are often told to elevate their legs, use a heating pad, take walks and wear compression stockings.


How do you test for DVT in legs at home?

This evaluation, known as Homan's Test, consists of laying flat on your back and extending the knee in the suspected leg. Have a friend or family member raise the extended leg to 10 degrees, then have them squeeze the calf. If there's deep pain in the calf, it may be indicative of DVT.

How do you know if a blood clot is traveling?

“It may feel like a shooting pain that starts in your front and travels to the back in the chest area,” says Dr. Tran. “You may also feel chest heaviness or pressure that lasts. If it's just fleeting, goes away and doesn't happen again, you're probably not dealing with a blood clot.”

What are the chances of surviving a blood clot in the leg?

10% – 30% of people will die within one month of diagnosis. Among people who have had a DVT, one third to one half will have long-term complications (post-thrombotic syndrome) such as swelling, pain, discoloration, and scaling in the affected limb.


Does all DVT require hospitalization?

Will you be admitted to the hospital or sent home? If a DVT is confirmed, you may be discharged and sent home with injectable or oral anticoagulant medication (sometimes called a blood thinner). That said, every patient is different, and you may be admitted to the hospital if the ER doctor believes it's necessary.

Do you have to stay in hospital if you have a DVT?

You can usually stay at home to have your DVT treatment. But you may need to be admitted to hospital if you have any complications or certain problems that put you at higher risk.