15 Signs You Have a Blood Clot in Your Leg main image
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15 Signs You Have a Blood Clot in Your Leg

Redness

Redness

One of the first signs of a blood clot is skin discoloration. You may notice that your leg takes on a red or blueish color. 

The discoloration comes from collections of blood under the skin that become visible as they grow. If you notice persistent patches of red skin in the legs, you should contact your doctor.

Swelling

Swelling

The site of the blood clot may experience painful swelling due to increased bone and tissue densities. 

If the swelling does not respond to usual treatments, such as hot or cold compression take that as a sign that it is clot related.

Warm Skin

Warm Skin

Blood clots will often cause the skin to feel very warm. Warm skin due to clotting is usually accompanied with other symptoms, including throbbing and itchiness.

Warm skin due to clotting is usually accompanied with other symptoms, including throbbing and itchiness.

Fainting

Fainting

If the body is unable to dissolve the blood clot naturally, fainting and dizziness may occur. Many people don’t associate fainting with blood clots, but it is a serious symptom.

Many people don’t associate fainting with blood clots, but it is a serious symptom.

Increased Heart Rate

Increased Heart Rate

A racing heart is the most common symptom of a blood clot. The leg clot causes the heart to work and pump harder, resulting in an increased heart rate. You may feel like you have worked out when you haven’t.

The leg clot causes the heart to work and pump harder, resulting in an increased heart rate. You may feel like you have worked out when you haven’t.

Fatigue

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom for any type of illness, even a blood clot. The body’s defense systems are working overtime, causing fatigue or exhaustion.

The body’s defense systems are working overtime, causing fatigue or exhaustion.

Fever

Fever

A low-grade fever may appear if you are experiencing a blood clot in the leg. Fever can of course cause the body to sweat or get the chills in order to control temperature.

Fever can of course cause the body to sweat or get the chills in order to control temperature.

Tenderness

Tenderness

The skin around the blood clot may become tender to the touch. The skin’s surface will show no evidence of bruising.

The skin’s surface will show no evidence of bruising.

No Symptoms

No Symptoms

It’s very common have little or no symptoms when experiencing a blood clot in the leg. An asymptomatic blood clot is usually a sign that the clot has not reach a serious stage, but this isn’t always the case.

An asymptomatic blood clot is usually a sign that the clot has not reach a serious stage, but this isn’t always the case.

Distended Veins

Distended Veins

Distended, or enlarged, veins may show up around the area of the leg where the clot is developing. Typically, distended veins do not cause complications.

Typically, distended veins do not cause complications.

Lower Leg Cramp

Lower Leg Cramp

Leg cramps are a common symptom when experiencing a blood clot in your leg due to the higher than usual pressure in this area. 

Many people who have experienced this symptom have compared this to a charley horse except the feeling doesn’t go away. You won’t be able to walk or stretch the cramp off like an ordinary charley horse. 

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of Breath

If the heart and lungs are overworking due to a blood clot, shortness of breath may be experienced. 

Shortness of breath is a sign that things are critical and need to be addressed as soon as possible. 

Pain

Pain

Pain in the affected leg is a common sign you are experiencing a blood clot in the leg. 

Typically, the pain will get worst with time as the clot develops and grows. You will likely notice the pain is worst when you are standing or walking for long periods of time. 

Dark Discoloration

Dark Discoloration

A blood clot in the leg can cause color changes in the skin of the area where the blood clot is located. 

We have already mentioned redness, but the skin can also have different discolorations such as a bluish or dark appearance. This discoloration is due to the blocked blood flow in the area. 

Lightheaded

Lightheaded

Blood clots in your leg may make you feel lightheaded or slightly dizzy. 

This symptom typically coincides with an increased heart rate or shortness of breath. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your doctor as soon as possible.