Be aware that the swelling will only generally be in one leg, though it can also be in an arm. Feel your leg with your hand gently and compare it to the other unaffected leg. The swelling may only be slight and not palpable by touch, but you may notice it when putting on articles of clothing such as pants, workout gear, or high boots. Make sure to look and feel along the veins of your leg for swelling as well. [3] X Research source
Keep a log of when you notice leg pain or tenderness to rule out things like injury. Write down if the cramping or Charley horse comes on during or after exercise or if it happens when you’re just easily walking or sitting down. You may only feel the tenderness when you are standing or walking. [5] X Research source In many cases, pain will start in your calf and may radiate from there. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Be aware that the increased warmth may only be in the area that is swollen or causes pain; however, it’s a good idea to feel your entire leg so that you can more easily detect a section that is warm versus one without a temperature difference. [8] X Research source
Be aware that discoloration may look like bruising that doesn’t go away. Make sure to watch any discolored spots on your leg to see if they change colors or stay reddish or bluish. If they don’t change, it could signal a clot.
Sudden shortness of breath Sharp or stabbing pain when breathing that worsens with deep breaths Rapid heart rate Sudden bouts of coughing, which may have some blood or mucus Feeling lightheaded or dizzy[12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Fainting Feelings of dizziness or fainting
Having surgery of any kind, but especially on the pelvis, abdomen, hip or knee Smoking Taking birth control pills A femoral (thigh) fracture Undergoing hormone replacement therapy Being on prolonged bed rest Being injured Being overweight or obese Being pregnant or giving birth Having cancer Suffering from inflammatory bowel disease Having heart failure or a heart attack Having a personal or family history You have had a stroke in the past Being over the age of 60 Sitting for long periods of time, especially driving or flying
Answer any questions your doctor may have about your symptoms and when they started as well as what makes them better or worse. Make sure to let your doctor know about any medication you’re taking, if you’ve ever been treated for cancer, or if you’ve had any recent surgeries or injuries. [16] X Research source
Let your doctor know if there is any part of the exam that causes you pain, such as if you experience pain when taking a deep breath while the doctor listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope.
Ultrasound, which is the most common test for DVT. It makes a picture of the veins and arteries in your leg so your doctor can better assess any clot. D-dimer test, which measures a substance in your blood that is released when a clot breaks up. High levels can indicate a deep vein blood clot. Spiral CT of chest or ventilation/perfusion (VQ) scan to rule out pulmonary embolism. Venography, which is done when an ultrasound doesn’t give your doctor a clear diagnosis. This procedure requires injecting a dye and then getting an x-ray that illuminates the vein. The x-ray can indicate if blood flow is slow, which may mean you have a deep vein clot. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT) scans, which make pictures of the organs. These tests are not common for DVT, but more generally used for diagnosing PE.
Make sure to ask any questions about the blood thinners you are taking. The two most common are warfarin and heparin. Initially you may be started with heparin then transition to warfarin. Warfarin is given in pill form and may have side effects such as headache, rash, and hair loss. Heparin comes in different forms — your doctor will discuss the best option for you. Heparin can also come with side effects such as bleeding, skin rash, headache, and upset stomach. [20] X Research source Be aware that your doctor may prescribe you Heparin and warfarin at the same time. They may also prescribe other injectable blood thinners such as enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin) or fondaparinux (Arixtra). [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication exactly. Taking too much or too little of your medicine can have serious side effects. Follow up weekly for blood work or as recommended by your doctor.
Recognize that thrombolytics run a high risk of causing bleeding, which is why they are reserved for severe or life-threatening cases. [24] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Be aware that because of the severity, thrombolytics are only given in an intensive care unit of a hospital. A doctor will administer the drugs through an IV line or through a catheter that has been placed directly into the clot.
Have your compression stocking fitted by your doctor or medical supply professional. Doing this can help ensure you get enough compression to be effective against clots. Buying a generic pair fitted for different body types may not be as effective as a pair specifically made for you. Wear your stockings for two to three years if possible.
