What Does a Blood Clot in the Leg Look Like?

Spotting a blood clot in your leg early can make all the difference in your health. Blood clots, especially in the legs, can be sneaky, but they’re dangerous if left untreated.¹ From sudden swelling to unexpected pain, knowing the signs of a blood clot could save your life.² 

In this article, let’s break down what to watch for and when to act.

How Do Blood Clots in Legs Form?

A blood clot in the leg, medically termed deep vein thrombosis (DVT), forms when blood thickens and clumps together in a deep vein, often in the lower leg or thigh.³ This can happen if you’re sitting still for a long time (e.g., on a long flight) or if you’ve had surgery. Clots can also develop due to a vein injury, pregnancy, obesity, smoking, older age, or certain medical conditions that affect blood flow or clotting, such as:⁴

• Cancer: Some tumors and treatments can increase your clotting risk.
• Heart disease: Conditions like heart failure can affect your circulation.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis alter the normal clotting mechanism.
• Genetic clotting disorders: Some inherited conditions make the blood more prone to clotting.
• Varicose veins: Swollen, twisted veins can lead to poor circulation.

How to Tell If You Have a Blood Clot in the Leg

When DVT occurs, your leg might swell up, feel tender or painful, and be warm to the touch. The skin may turn red or bluish. The affected leg might look larger or different from the other one.⁵ 

If you suspect a blood clot, watch for the sudden onset of the above-mentioned symptoms, usually in only one leg. DVT pain often feels like cramping or a pulled muscle, but it doesn’t improve with rest.⁶ 

In cases where the swelling is significant and accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, seek emergency medical care. DVT symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, so it’s vital to consult a doctor if you suspect a clot, as DVT can be life-threatening if it moves to your lungs.⁷

How to Treat and Prevent Blood Clots in Legs

DVT treatment typically involves blood thinners that prevent the clot from growing and reduce the risk of new ones forming. In some cases, doctors may use clot-busting medications or insert a filter in the vein to catch clots before they reach the lungs. Compression socks help reduce swelling and discomfort.⁸

To keep clots from developing in your legs, stay active and avoid long periods of sitting or lying down. Regular exercise improves your circulation. If you’re traveling for long hours or have a sedentary job, take breaks to stretch and walk around.⁹

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on your veins, improves your blood circulation, and lowers your clotting risk.¹⁰ Staying hydrated is also important because dehydration makes you blood flow sluggish, which can lead to clot development.¹¹ 

Get the Answers You Need for Effective Vein Treatment

Learn to manage varicose and spider veins with My Vein Treatment’s comprehensive guides and other resources. Use our vein specialist locator to find a trusted doctor near you once you’re ready. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your vein health with confidence.

Sources:

1. Mount Sinai: “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.”
2. Mount Sinai: “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.”
3. Cleveland Clinic: “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).”
4. Cleveland Clinic: “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).”
5. Mayo Clinic: “Deep vein thrombosis (DVT).”
6. National Blood Clot Alliance: “Deep Vein Thrombosis.”
7. Mount Sinai: “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.”
8. Penn Medicine: “Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Treatment.”
9. Detroit Medical Center: “Eleven Tips to reduce your risk of DVT.”
10. Detroit Medical Center: “Eleven Tips to reduce your risk of DVT.”
11. Detroit Medical Center: “Eleven Tips to reduce your risk of DVT.”