Top 10 Signs of a Blood Clot in the Leg (DVT)
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Swelling in one leg
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Usually only one leg swells, and it may feel tight or heavy.
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Pain or tenderness
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Often starts in the calf and may feel like cramping or soreness.
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Warmth
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The affected area may feel warmer than the surrounding skin.
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Red or discolored skin
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Skin can appear reddish, bluish, or slightly purplish.
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Swelling that worsens when standing or walking
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Activity can intensify discomfort and swelling.
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Leg fatigue or heaviness
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A feeling of heaviness, tiredness, or “dragging” in the leg.
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Visible surface veins
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Sometimes superficial veins become more noticeable or engorged.
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Skin that is tight or shiny
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Swelling can stretch the skin, making it appear shiny.
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Cramping, especially at night
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Calf cramping or soreness, particularly when flexing the foot.
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Sudden swelling without obvious injury
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If swelling happens out of nowhere, it’s a red flag for a clot.
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⚠️ Emergency Signs
If a clot breaks free and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), watch for:
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Shortness of breath
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Chest pain or pressure
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Rapid heartbeat
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Coughing up blood
This is a medical emergency — call 911 immediately.
Prevention Tips
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Stay active; avoid long periods of sitting
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Drink plenty of water
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Wear compression stockings if at risk
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Follow doctor’s advice after surgery or during pregnancy
If you want, I can make a simple visual checklist for DVT signs you can remember or share with friends—it’s much easier to spot early warning signs that way. Do you want me to do that?
