Signs and Symptoms of DVT

Signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
In about half of all cases, deep vein thrombosis occurs without any noticeable symptoms.
However, the classical symptoms of DVT include:
• Pain in your leg; this can include pain in your ankle and foot. This pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or a "charley horse."
• Swelling in the affected leg, including swelling in your ankle and foot.
• Redness and warmth over the affected area.
• Pain or swelling in your arms or neck. This can occur if a blood clot forms in your arms or neck.
Not all of these symptoms have to occur; one, all, or none may be present with a deep vein thrombosis. The symptoms may mimic an infection or cellulitis (Cellulitis is a diffuse inflammation of connective tissue with severe inflammation of dermal and subcutaneous layers of the skin) of the leg.
In up to 25% of all hospitalized patients, there may be some form of DVT, which often remains clinically unapparent (unless pulmonary embolism develops).
There are several techniques during physical examination to increase the detection of DVT, such as measuring the circumference of the affected and the contralateral limb at a fixed point (to objectivate edema), and palpating the venous tract, which is often tender. Physical examination is unreliable for excluding the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
Historically, healthcare providers would try to elicit a couple of clinical findings to make a diagnosis. Dorsiflexion of the foot (pulling the toes towards the nose, or Homans' sign) and Pratt's sign (squeezing the calf to produce pain), have not been found effective in making a diagnosis.
It is vital that the possibility of pulmonary embolism be included in the history, as this may warrant further investigation (see pulmonary embolism).
If you develop signs or symptoms of a pulmonary embolism — a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis — seek medical attention immediately.
The warning signs of a pulmonary embolism include:
 Unexplained sudden onset of shortness of breath
 Chest pain or discomfort that worsens when you take a deep breath or when you cough
 Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or fainting
 Coughing up blood
 A sense of anxiety or nervousness