This occurs when a blood clot obstructs the veins deep in the leg, impeding blood from properly returning to the heart. Blood and fluid back up, causing swelling, redness, and pain in the leg below the clot.
Leg or calf aching
Tightness or pain
Leg swelling
Leg redness
Calf tenderness
Prolonged bed rest (often after illness or surgery)
Long periods when the legs are kept stationary, such as prolonged car or plane rides
Birth control pills (smoking with birth control pills increases the risk)
Hypercoagulable states (diseases that increase blood clotting), such as protein C and S deficiency and antithrombin III deficiency
Cancer
Examination:
Homan's sign (pain in the calf
with foot flexion)- there is concern that this may cause
the clot to move, so if suspicion for a clot is high, it
is not often done