Online Medical Library — Encyclopedia — Deep Venous Thrombosis

Deep Venous Thrombosis

This is a condition in which blood abnormally clots in your veins. It may be caused by a fracture, immobility for any reason, certain drugs (e.g., birth control pills) and obesity.

Symptoms include pain isolated to one leg (usually in the calf or medial thigh) or swelling in the extremity.

This can be a medical emergency and you should consult a medical doctor immediately. Diagnosis may be confirmed by ultrasound or by a venogram. A venogram includes the injection of contrast dye into your vein followed by a series of x-rays which can demonstrate narrowing or blockage within the vein.

Treatment may include elevation, the application of heat packs to the affected area and blood thinning medications (such as “Heparin” or “Warfarin”).