A pulling sensation in the calf, a swollen leg or an unpleasant feeling of pressure in the back of the knee - many people initially think of sore muscles or a slight overload. But what if there is a thrombosis behind it? These occur more frequently than many people think and do not only affect older people or people with pre-existing conditions. Sitting for hours at the office, a long journey or even hormonal changes can increase the risk. And a blood clot that goes unnoticed can be dangerous. But what exactly is a thrombosis? How can it be recognized and what measures can help to reduce the risk? In this article, you can find out everything you need to know about the condition - from the causes and symptoms to treatment and prevention.
Content
1. thrombosis: Definition & correlations
2 How does a thrombosis develop in the leg?
3. can thrombosis also affect the arm and hand?
4 How do you notice a thrombosis?
5. thrombosis: Appearance & symptoms
6 What to do in case of thrombosis?
7 Thrombosis - what not to do?
8 How can thrombosis be prevented?
Thrombosis: Definition & correlations
What is a thrombosis? In short, it is a blood clot (thrombus) that can partially or completely block a blood vessel. This occurs particularly frequently in the deep veins of the legs, where it is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The dangerous thing about this is that the clot obstructs the blood flow and, in the worst case, can break free. If the blood clot then travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. However, not every thrombosis leads to an embolism. If it is detected early, thrombosis can be cured, as there are good treatment options to dissolve the blood clot or prevent it from growing. It is therefore important that you recognize the signs of a potential thrombosis and react quickly. We'll come to the symptoms and risk factors you should also keep an eye on in a moment. Before that, we would like to clarify why these disorders occur and which areas of the body are particularly at risk. Important: You should always consult your doctor if you have any complaints or uncertainties!
How does a thrombosis develop in the leg?
A thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein and obstructs the blood flow. This occurs particularly frequently in the legs, i.e. as a thrombosis in the thigh or lower leg, or as a thrombosis in the calf, foot or hollow of the knee. But why does this happen at all? The causes of thrombosis can usually be traced back to three main factors: slowed blood flow, damage to the vessel wall and an increased tendency of the blood to clot. Sitting for long periods on an airplane, being bedridden after an operation or elevating the leg after an injury can lead to impaired blood circulation. The deep leg veins are particularly affected, as the blood has to flow back to the heart against the force of gravity.
Another risk is damage to the vascular walls, which can be caused by injuries, inflammation or chronic diseases such as varicose veins. If the inner wall of the vein is damaged, a blood clot can form there more easily. An increased blood clotting tendency, for example due to hormonal changes, certain medications or genetic predisposition, can also promote the development of the disease. In such cases, a blood clot can form even if there are no obvious external factors such as immobility or vascular injuries. You can find out how the disorder can develop outside the legs - in the arm or hand, for example - in the next section.
Can thrombosis also affect the arm and hand?
When we talk about thrombosis, most people immediately think of the legs. However, a blood clot can actually also form in the veins of the arms, for example as a thrombosis of the upper arm, forearm or even the wrist. This form of the disease is rarer than leg vein thrombosis, but is by no means harmless. Blood clots in the upper extremities are often caused by venous compression or vascular injuries. A classic example is Paget-Schroetter thrombosis, also known as "Effort thrombosis". It mainly occurs in young, physically active people who put a lot of strain on their arms - for example through strength training or repeated overhead movements. This leads to a narrowing of the vein in the shoulder area, which increases the risk of a blood clot.
However, medical interventions, such as the insertion of a central venous catheter or a venous access for infusions, can also promote thrombosis in the forearm or upper arm. Other risk factors include hormonal changes, genetic coagulation disorders or certain medications. A thrombosis in the wrist or hand can become noticeable through swelling, tenderness and a bluish discoloration of the skin. As this type is often not recognized immediately, it is important to pay attention to unusual symptoms and seek medical advice if in doubt.
How do you notice a thrombosis?
Imagine waking up in the morning and feeling an unfamiliar pulling sensation in your calf. At first you might think it's just a sore muscle from yesterday's walk or from a wrong movement in your sleep. But as the day progresses, the discomfort intensifies. Your leg feels kind of heavy and if you look closely, it even seems a little swollen and red. This is not unusual, as the symptoms often creep into everyday life unnoticed. A slight feeling of pressure here, a warm spot there - nothing you would immediately worry about. But this is exactly what makes it so difficult to recognize the disease.
Typical signs are
- Swelling: Your leg appears thicker than usual (often in the lower leg, foot or thigh).
- Tightness: The skin feels taut, as if it is being pressed out from the inside.
- Pain: A dull ache may occur, particularly in the calf or back of the knee, which intensifies when walking or standing.
- Overheating: The affected area is warmer than the rest of the leg.
- Discoloration: The leg may take on a slightly bluish or reddish color.
Important: Sometimes the symptoms occur in unexpected places, such as the groin. Pain in the sole of the foot or an unpleasant pulling sensation in the entire leg can also be signs. Precisely because the first signs seem so inconspicuous, they are often ignored - and that is precisely what is dangerous. For example, you're sitting comfortably on the sofa after a long day at work and think that the pain in your leg is caused by tight jeans or standing for a long time. Maybe you try a massage or stretch out your leg, but the unpleasant feeling remains. You should be very careful here and seek medical advice if in doubt. In addition, it is of course helpful to know exactly what the condition can look like on the individual parts of the body in order to make a better assessment.
Thrombosis: Appearance & symptoms
A thrombosis does not always look the same. The symptoms can vary depending on where the blood clot is located. In addition, the signs also vary greatly from person to person: While some sufferers only notice a slight feeling of tightness, others experience significant swelling or discoloration. To help you better assess whether your symptoms indicate a blood clot, let's take a closer look at the typical signs for the individual areas of the body.
Symptoms of thrombosis in the leg: The most common form of the disease affects the deep leg veins. The entire blood flow in the affected area, for example in the thigh or lower leg or in the back of the knee, can be disturbed. Possible signs of thrombosis in the leg are
- A visible swelling that usually occurs on one side (often in the calf, thigh or lower leg).
- An unpleasant feeling of tightness, as if the skin is too tight.
- Pain that feels like sore muscles, but persists even at rest.
- A reddish or slightly bluish discoloration of the skin.
- The leg feels significantly warmer in the affected area.
- Caution: Thromboses in the lower leg, shin or back of the knee often go unnoticed for a long time, as there are hardly any symptoms at first. The first symptoms may be a slight feeling of tension in the calf or a dull ache.
Symptoms of thrombosis in the foot: A blood clot in the foot is difficult to detect, as the symptoms often only manifest as slight swelling or a feeling of pressure. Some sufferers even only notice a tingling sensation or a slight pulling sensation in the sole of the foot. Typical symptoms are
- Mild to moderate swelling, often on one side only.
- Sensitivity to pressure or an unpleasant feeling of tension, especially after prolonged sitting or standing.
- Bluish or reddish discoloration of the skin, which indicates a circulatory disorder.
- A pulling or dull pain that is particularly noticeable in the area of the toes or the sole of the foot.
- In some cases, a tingling or numbness sensation that can be mistaken for nerve irritation.
Symptoms of thrombosis in the groin: A blood clot in the groin can be particularly unpleasant as it causes pain that can radiate into the lower abdomen or leg. Significant symptoms of thrombosis in the groin are as follows:
- A deep-seated, dull pain in the groin region that intensifies when walking or climbing stairs.
- A swelling in the thigh that can extend into the lower abdomen.
- A pulling sensation that is often mistaken for muscle tension.
Symptoms of thrombosis in the arm: Although most people think of the legs first, thrombosis can also occur in the upper extremities. It is less common in the arm, but can also be dangerous. You should look out for these symptoms of thrombosis in the arm:
- A visible swelling on the hand, forearm or upper arm, possibly accompanied by discoloration.
- Sensitivity to pressure, especially when moving the arm.
- A dull feeling of tension or slight pain.
Particularly after operations or medical procedures, such as the insertion of a venous access, you should be vigilant when experiencing such symptoms. Regardless of whether the symptoms occur in the leg, foot, groin or arm - it is important to react quickly if you suspect something is wrong. You should not hesitate to consult a doctor, especially if you notice swelling, a pulling sensation or a change in the skin. You can find out what to do once the blood clot has been diagnosed in the next section.
What to do in case of thrombosis?
Now that we know both the causes and the symptoms and want to move on to treatment, several questions naturally arise at once: When is a thrombosis dangerous? Is exercise or rest recommended for thrombosis? And what measures should be taken in any case? We are happy to explain the answers clearly and in detail.
Immediate measures: A blood clot is always a medical emergency, even if it is not necessarily dangerous. As soon as signs such as swelling on one side, a feeling of tightness or skin discoloration occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately. It is particularly risky if you also experience shortness of breath, chest pain or dizziness. A blood clot may have already formed and a pulmonary embolism could be imminent. In this case, do not hesitate to call an ambulance (112).
Exercise or rest? One of the biggest myths about the disease is that sufferers should keep strictly to bed rest. In fact, the opposite is true: early mobilization is often crucial! That's why doctors usually recommend getting back to cautious activity as soon as possible once thrombosis leg treatment has started. Slow walking is better than sitting or lying down for hours on end, as movement supports the return flow of blood to the heart. However, too much exertion can be counterproductive. Intensive sporting activity should only be undertaken after consulting a doctor. Compression stockings or bandages help to stimulate blood circulation and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Drug treatment: In most cases, treatment is carried out with blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants). They prevent the blood clot from growing or forming new ones. In severe cases, thrombolysis (dissolving the clot with medication) may also be necessary.
Thrombosis - what should you not do?
If you suspect you have the disease, you should definitely see your doctor and avoid the following things until then:
- Do not self-medicate with blood-thinning medication. Only a doctor can determine the correct dosage and the appropriate medication. Aspirin does not help here!
- Do not massage the affected area intensively, as this could loosen the blood clot and transport it to the lungs.
- No excessive exercise or sport. If thrombosis is suspected, bed rest or at least elevation of the leg is advisable until a doctor has assessed the situation.
- Don't sit or stand for long periods without moving. If you are forced to sit, for example in a waiting room or while driving, you should move your feet regularly to stimulate blood circulation.
- No heat, for example from a sauna, a hot bath or a hot water bottle, as this heat can dilate the blood vessels and make the situation worse.
How can thrombosis be prevented?
Preventing thrombosis is usually easier than treating it. And the best thing is that you can significantly reduce the risk factors for thrombosis by making a few small changes to your everyday life. Here is an overview of the most important measures for you:
Movement is the be-all and end-all
Sitting or standing for long periods can slow down blood circulation - the very thing that promotes the disease. Therefore: movement, movement, movement! In the office or when working from home, you should stand up every 30-60 minutes. Walk a few steps or do some simple foot stretches to get your circulation going again. Regular breaks are also important on long car journeys or flights. Stretch your legs, circle your feet and tense your calf muscles. There are also some sports that prevent the disease, for example swimming (gentle & relieving), cycling (promotes blood flow in the legs), walking or hiking (perfect for the veins). However, caution is advised with very intensive weight training exercises with heavy pressing. This can put too much strain on the veins. Our everyday tip for you: Take the stairs instead of the elevator. You'll be doing your veins some good at the same time.
The right diet helps
Blood clots form more easily when the blood is thicker. Therefore, make sure you eat a balanced diet with plenty of fluids. It is best to drink 1.5-2 liters of water or unsweetened tea every day. Omega-3 fatty acids (for example in fish, linseed or walnuts) also keep the blood vessels elastic. Our everyday tip for you: add ginger and garlic to your meals more often, as they have a slightly blood-thinning effect. This makes them the perfect natural support for better blood flow.
How you can actively promote your circulation
You can stimulate your circulation with very simple tricks that are easy to do and don't take a lot of time. For example, if you sit for a long time, a stool or a Pillow can help to elevate your feet. Gentle leg massages with circular movements also promote blood flow. In addition, alternating showers (cold/warm) in the morning or evening train the veins and stimulate blood circulation. Acupressure is also a real secret recipe for relaxed legs. The fine points stimulate your reflex zones and stimulate blood circulation. We recommend this feel-good ritual after a long day. Just 10-15 minutes on the acupressure mat will relax you deeply. For on the go you can use an acupressure ball especially for your arms, legs and the soles of your feet. Our pro tip for you: special acupressure wraps for the legs stimulate the blood circulation there particularly precisely.
Thrombosis stockings as an effective aid
Compression stockings, often also called thrombosis stockings, are an important part of thrombosis prevention and treatment. They exert pressure on the veins from the outside, improving blood flow and preventing the blood from "pooling" in the legs. But how exactly does this work? The pressure exerted by the stockings on your leg is highest at the ankle and decreases towards the top. This ensures that the blood is pumped back to the heart efficiently. This not only prevents swelling and heavy legs, but also reduces the risk. After recovering from an illness, they also help to prevent secondary damage such as post-thrombotic syndrome. If necessary, use them on long journeys (airplane, car, train), during the extended bed phase after an operation, if you have been diagnosed with venous insufficiency or varicose veins and also in everyday life if recommended by a doctor. Our pro tip for you: there are now modern versions that are not only medically effective but also visually appealing - for example thrombosis leggings. They are particularly suitable for sporting activities or the office.
The thrombosis injection is used in special situations
The anti-thrombosis injection (medical term: heparin injection) is used to keep the blood more fluid and thus prevent the formation of blood clots. It is mainly administered after operations or longer stays in hospital when bed rest is required. It is also used on long-haul flights for high-risk patients. But also during pregnancyif there is an increased risk of thrombosis. Good to know: Many patients have to give themselves the injection. This is easier than it sounds, so you don't have to be afraid of self-injection. First you disinfect the skin, usually on the abdomen or thigh. Then place the syringe at a 45- to 90-degree angle, push the plunger in slowly and remove the needle quickly. Important: Do not massage the injection site, otherwise bruising may occur.
Our conclusion: Take enough time for prevention!
The more active and aware you are of your everyday life, the better you can prevent thrombosis. You can do a lot for your vein health even with small routines - be it through more exercise, a targeted diet, a relaxing acupressure ritual or wearing compression stockings. Enjoy moderate sports sessions, such as swimming, hiking and cycling once a week. The decisive factor here is not so much the duration and intensity, but rather the regularity. After your workout, you can pamper yourself with acupressure. Targeted pressure on certain points stimulates blood circulation, relieves tension and improves your general well-being. Especially important: listen to your body's signals! Heavy legs, persistent swelling or unusual pain should always alert you. If in doubt, it's better to go to the doctor once too often than once too little.