A blood clot (a clump of blood) that forms in a vein and causes inflammation is called thrombophlebitis. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, warmth, and redness along the length of a vein.
A clot may form either in a vein just under the surface of the skin (superficial thrombophlebitis) or in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).
Thrombophlebitis can occur in any vein, but it is most common in the leg veins. Clots in a deep leg vein (deep vein thrombosis) are serious because a clot can break loose and travel through the bloodstream to the lung (pulmonary embolism).
If you already have a risk of blood clots, talk to your doctor before taking a long trip. Your doctor may want you to wear compression stockings or take blood-thinning medicine.
Some of the things that can increase your risk for a blood clot include:
When blood doesn't flow normally, clots are more likely to develop. Reduced blood flow may result from long-term bed rest, such as after a surgery, injury, or serious illness. Or it may result from sitting for a long time, especially when traveling long distances.
Some people have blood that clots too easily or too quickly. Things that may cause increased clotting include:
Blood is more likely to clot in veins and arteries shortly after they are injured. Injury can be caused by a recent medical procedure or surgery that involved your legs, hips, belly, or brain. Or it can be caused by an injury, such as a broken hip.
Normally, one-way valves in the veins keep blood flowing to the heart.
A blood clot can form when the valve in a vein does not work properly. If the valve does not open normally, blood cells can collect behind the valve and begin to stick together to form a clot.
When a blood clot gets large enough, it can stop the flow of blood in the vein.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
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