Deep Vein Thrombosis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Blood clots in the superficial vein system most often occur due to trauma to
the vein which causes a small blood clot to form. Inflammation of the vein and
surrounding skin causes the symptoms of any other type of inflammation:
- redness,
- warmth,
- tenderness, and
- swelling.
Often the affected vein can be palpated (felt)
as a firm, thickened cord. There may be inflammation that follows the course of
part of the vein.
Although there is inflammation, there is no infection.
Varicosities can predispose to
superficial thrombophlebitis. When the valves
of the larger veins in the superficial system fail (the greater and lesser
saphenous veins), blood can back up and cause the veins to swell and become
distorted or tortuous. The valves fail when veins lose their elasticity and
stretch. This can be due to age, prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, and
genetic factors.
Deep Venous Thrombosis
The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are related to obstruction of blood returning to the
heart and causing a backup of blood in the leg. Classically, they symptoms
include:
- pain,
- swelling,
- warmth, and
- redness.
Not all of these symptoms have to occur; one, all, or
none may be present with a deep vein thrombosis. The symptoms may mimic an infection or
cellulitis of the leg.
Historically, healthcare providers would try to elicit a couple of clinical
findings to make a diagnosis. Dorsiflexion of the foot (pulling the toes towards
the nose, or Homans' sign) and Pratt's sign (squeezing the calf to produce
pain),
have not been found effective in making a diagnosis.
Next: When should I seek medical care for deep vein thrombosis? »
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