Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins of your body, such as those in your legs or arms. Left untreated, the clot could dislodge and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism – a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Some key warning signs of DVT include aching pain, swelling, tenderness in tue calf. Pain with walking or movement of the affected area is also common. However, the absence of some characteristic symptoms does not rule out DVT, as some patients may only report mild ache or heaviness in the leg. At the same time, while most leg pains are not due to DVT, it is important to get any concerning symptoms properly evaluated expediently, especially if they persist for days and does not improve in severity. The easiest thing is to put it down to a muscle strain. Risk factors for developing a DVT in the leg include trauma, dehydration, immobility, recent air travel especially long haul and a family history of clotting problems.

I would not recommend taking aspirin on your own without seeing a vascular specialist first, as that could potentially worsen bleeding risks especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as a stomach ulcer. The best thing to do is schedule an appointment with a vascular surgeon to have your leg examined. We can perform a tailored physical exam and history taking to assess the likelihood of a DVT, and initiate further tests like a Duplex ultrasound scan and blood test marker to diagnose or rule out a DVT. Early detection and treatment are important for preventing longer term complications such as post thrombotic syndrome where the leg can feel particularly heavy when standing or walking for a long time and is associated with skin problems such as ulceration. The earlier you diagnose a DVT, the quicker you can be started on blood thinners and the more likely you can make a full recovery by dissolving all the clot. You can expect an ultrasound scan to be performed on the same day you are seen and and you will be informed whether you have a DVT or not.

Do make an appointment promptly for an evaluation. If your symptoms significantly worsen or you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain or palpitations, you should seek immediate medical attention. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Dr Tang Tjun Yip
Senior Vascular and General Surgeon
The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic
https://vascularclinic.sg/
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The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.