What Do Blood Clots in the Leg Feel Like?

You may have heard that it’s important to get up and move during long flights. That’s because prolonged sitting, whether it’s on a flight or at your desk, poses several health risks, including increased risk of developing a blood clot in the leg or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

DVTs typically form deep within a vein in your leg. When a blood clot forms, it can obstruct blood flow, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. If a clot breaks free, it may cause a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism, in which the clot travels through the blood vessels and enters the lungs.

Not all blood clots in the leg lead to pulmonary embolism; some resolve on their own. But if you notice signs of a DVT, seeing a doctor quickly may help you avoid dangerous complications.

“There are effective treatments for a blood clot in the leg, most notably blood thinners, which hinder clotting ability while they’re being used,” says Vikalp Jain, M.D., vascular surgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Seeking medical help early when you think that you may have a blood clot is always the right decision, even if it turns out to be nothing. It’s better to be safe than sorry when pulmonary embolism could be a possibility.”

Signs That You May Have a DVT

Many people with DVTs notice discomfort in their affected leg and can’t attribute the problem to a recent injury, overuse or other factor. DVTs are more common after surgery and among people on bed rest or those who sit for long periods without stretching.

Symptoms include:

• Leg pain or discomfort that may feel like a pulled muscle, tightness, cramping or soreness
• Swelling in the affected leg
• Redness or discoloration at the sore spot
• The affected area feels warm to the touch
• A throbbing sensation in the affected leg

Some people don’t experience symptoms, which makes it difficult for them to recognize they should seek care.

DVTs are more common among people who:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Have a personal or family history of blood clots

Can Kids Get DVTs?

"Blood clots are more common among people age 60 and older, but it’s possible for kids to experience a DVT. They’re rare in healthy children, but they’re more common among kids who are hospitalized," says Katherine Armstrong, M.D., MS, pediatric hematologist-oncologist of Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Factors that may increase the risk of blood clots in children include:

• Recent surgery
• Catheter or PICC lines in a vein
• Being confined to bed
• A family history of blood clots
• Taking birth control pills (teenage girls)

When to Seek Care for a Possible DVT

If you think you or your child may have a blood clot in the leg, it’s important to see a doctor immediately to avoid complications. If you can’t get a same-day appointment with your regular doctor, visit an urgent care center or emergency room. Quick care may prevent a pulmonary embolism, which could be deadly.

Seek emergency care if you have symptoms of a pulmonary embolism, including:

• Sudden difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain that worsens when you try breathing deeply
• Sudden cough, especially if you produce bloody mucus
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness or losing consciousness

Next Steps & Resources

• Meet our sources: Vikalp Jain, M.D., Katherine Armstrong, M.D., MS

• Make an appointment online with a doctor near you, or call 800-822-8905

• Find an urgent care center near you.