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Thrombosis is a life-threatening condition and half of people don’t even know they are affected! Identifying the silent symptoms can save a life. Here are eight warning signs you should watch out for:
1. Swollen leg
If one of your legs is thicker than the other, be suspicious! Swelling of the leg can be caused by a blood clot in a vein that prevents blood from returning to the heart.
2. Cramp
If a muscle in your leg tightens, spasms and doesn’t disappear, it may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis, especially if the previous symptom also appears. Discomfort may also occur in the form of throbbing pain or tenderness to pressure.
3. Your legs change color
If the skin on your legs turns red or bluish-purple, seek a doctor immediately! Poor circulation causes the change in color and this can be a big problem!
4. The skin is hot
If the skin in a certain area is warmer than elsewhere, it’s one of the most certain signs of thrombosis! This is caused by pooled blood.
5. Thrombosis symptoms are mild or severe
The intensity of these symptoms varies! Everyone is different, so if you experience them only mildly or if they are present for only a few days, still consult a doctor!
6. Recurrent or worsening symptoms
You can distinguish a thrombotic swelling from, for example, one caused by an ankle sprain because the sprain-related swelling will subside and not return! If it doesn’t disappear, comes back or spreads further, there must be a more serious reason behind it!
7. You have no symptoms
Deep vein thrombosis is also called a silent disease because in almost half of cases it manifests only in a very advanced stage. If any of the risk factors apply to you, pay increased attention to the signs in your legs. Such risk factors include use of contraception, hormone replacement during menopause, cancer and its treatment, major surgeries and 6-8 weeks after childbirth.
8. If you are at risk based on risk factors
Visit your doctor even at the slightest suspicion! Precisely because the disease is asymptomatic, you cannot diagnose yourself, but if the disease is detected in time and you receive an appropriate medication (for example a blood-thinning drug), the life-threatening condition can be avoided.
If you liked this article and found it useful, don’t forget to share it with your friends, family and acquaintances. Help them prevent the danger of thrombosis and save lives!
