Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg.

Blood clots that develop in a vein are also known as venous thrombosis.

DVT usually occurs in a deep leg vein, a larger vein that runs through the muscles of the calf and the thigh. It can also occur in the pelvis or abdomen.

It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism. 

DVT and pulmonary embolism together are known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Symptoms

In some cases, there may be no symptoms of DVT. If symptoms do occur they can include:

pain, swelling and tenderness in one of your legs (usually your calf or thigh) a heavy ache in the affected area warm skin in the area of the clot red skin, particularly at the back of your leg below the knee

DVT usually (although not always) affects one leg. The pain may be worse when you bend your foot upward towards your knee.

If you think you have deep vein thrombosis ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111

Phone 999 or go to A&E if you have symptoms of DVT like: pain and swelling of the leg, along with either breathlessness or chest pain