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Recognizing Blood Clot Symptoms

Recognizing Blood Clot Symptoms

A man wearing shorts and a T-shirt sits on the edge of a bed, holding his lower leg with both hands.

 

A blood clot, also known as a thrombus, occurs when blood coagulates and creates a clot in a blood vessel where it shouldn’t be. Depending on the location, blood clots can have a range of severity, all the way up to life-threatening. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of blood clots and to know when to seek help.

At State Urgent Care in Starkville, MS, our experienced providers are ready and able to assess your blood clot symptoms and guide the appropriate treatment. We offer prompt, thorough care seven days a week with no appointment necessary.

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Leg

A blood clot in your legs is typically either a superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) or a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Whereas an SVT affects a smaller vein near your skin, a DVT occurs in a deep, larger vein.

Since a deep vein clot can break free and travel to your lungs, a DVT is usually more dangerous than an SVT. However, both conditions require medical attention and treatment. You should be aware of the symptoms of both conditions:

SVT Symptoms

  • Warm skin at the site.
  • Localized pain along a vein.
  • Reddened skin.

DVT Symptoms

  • Swelling of the affected leg.
  • Pain or cramping (often beginning in the lower leg).
  • Reddened or purple skin.
  • Warmth at the site.

Though a DVT occurs deeper in the leg and an SVT causes more localized symptoms nearer to the skin, it can be difficult to tell the difference. A trained urgent care provider can assess your blood clot symptoms and help to determine if you are experiencing one of these conditions.

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Arm

A blood clot can affect an arm, though this is rare. Signs of a clot in an arm vein may include:

  • Pain at the site.
  • Reddened or purple skin.
  • Swelling at the site.
  • Warm skin.

Symptoms of a Blood Clot in the Lungs

A blood clot in a lung is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a life-threatening situation and is often caused by a blood clot traveling from a deep vein in your leg to a blood vessel in your lung. Symptoms may include:

  • Chest pain while coughing or breathing.
  • Rapid pulse.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Feeling lightheaded or fainting.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, get help at an emergency room or call 911.

When to Seek Help for a Blood Clot

If you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot in your leg, including swelling, pain, redness, or warmth, you can get help in urgent care. Skilled providers can perform an assessment, evaluate your risk factors, and help to determine the appropriate treatment.

When Should I Go to an ER for a Blood Clot?

As we discussed, if you are experiencing the symptoms of a PE (rapid heart rate, coughing blood, chest pain with breathing, shortness of breath), you should seek immediate help in an emergency room. A PE is life-threatening, and an ER is typically better equipped to manage this condition. You may also require hospital admission for a PE.

You should also seek help in an ER for the following symptoms that may be linked to a blood clot:

  • Chest pain.
  • Weakness of part of your body.
  • Difficulty sleeping.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Loss of sensation in a limb.
  • Loss of warmth or color in a limb.
  • Significant pain in a limb.

What Causes Blood Clots

Some people are more at risk for blood clots. Possible risk factors include:

  • Cancer.
  • Diabetes.
  • Clotting disorders.
  • Smoking.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Obesity.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Injuries or recent surgery.
  • Prolonged immobility (ex: sitting still on a long flight).
  • Taking hormone replacement or birth control pills.

Urgent Care for Blood Clot Symptoms

At State Urgent Care, our experienced clinicians provide excellent care for a wide range of conditions. If you need urgent care for a possible blood clot, visit us today.