Why is there blood clots

There is a large oval with an arrow pointing to a vein in the groin area. Within the oval is an illustration showing a close-up of a blood clot in the vein and the swelling in the area.

Below the drawing is the text: "Blood clots can form in any deep veins of the body. Most often they form in the legs, arms, or groin. This guide is based on a product developed by Ann Wittkowsky, Pharm. Zierler, Ph. This document is in the public domain and may be used and reprinted without special permission.

Citation of the source is appreciated. Content last reviewed August Browse Topics. Topics A-Z. Quality and Disparities Report Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care. Notice of Funding Opportunities. You may also get a blood clot if you: Have had recent surgery. Are 65 or older. Take hormones, especially for birth control. Ask your doctor about this. Have had cancer or are being treated for it. Have broken a bone hip, pelvis, or leg.

Have a bad bump or bruise. Are obese. Are confined to bed or a chair much of the time. Have had a stroke or are paralyzed. Have a special port the doctor put in your body to give you medicine. Have varicose VAR-e-kos or bad veins. Have heart trouble. Have had a blood clot before. Have a family member who has had a blood clot. Have taken a long trip more than an hour in a car, airplane, bus, or train.

Some current treatments include:. If you are diagnosed with a venous clot, your doctor may refer you to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood diseases. People diagnosed with arterial disease who are at risk for developing a clot in their arteries may have several doctors involved in their care, including a cardiologist a doctor who specializes in conditions of the heart , a neurologist, and possibly a hematologist. For some patients, participating in a clinical trial provides access to novel therapies.

If diagnosed, you can talk with your doctor about whether joining a clinical trial is right for you. Blood clots are among the most preventable types of blood conditions. There are several ways to decrease your chances of developing a blood clot, such as controlling your risk factors when possible.

If you think you may be at risk because of genetic or behavioral factors, talk with your doctor. Also, make sure your doctor is aware of all the medications you are taking and any family history of blood clotting disorders.

If you find that you are interested in learning more about blood diseases and disorders, here are a few other resources that may be of some help:.

Search Blood , the official journal of ASH, for the results of the latest blood research. While recent articles generally require a subscriber login, patients interested in viewing an access-controlled article in Blood may obtain a copy by e-mailing a request to the Blood Publishing Office. Agenda for Nematology Research. About Us. Precision Medicine. Genome Editing and Gene Therapy. Get up every hour or two and stretch your calves or move your ankles back and forth repeatedly.

Bend your knees, or point and flex your feet. Wear compression stockings. Pay attention to your position. Avoid crossing your legs, and periodically change your position while seated. Get an aisle seat when traveling.

On a plane, train, or bus, sit in an aisle seat so you can easily get up and move around every few hours. Treatment typically involves taking a blood thinner for several months or longer. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. The conditions that contribute to leg pain can range from fractures, muscle tears, and sprains, to long-term problems caused by osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and vascular disease. This Special Health Report is designed to help you resolve both the pain and the problem.

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