When to See Your Doctor
Consult your doctor if you develop these signs or symptoms in an area on an arm or leg:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain
- Self-care measures
When to Get Emergency Care
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Cough that produces bloody sputum
- A fast heartbeat
- Lightheadedness
- Difficult or painful breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Pain extending to your shoulder, arm, back or jaw
- Sudden weakness or numbness of your face, arm or leg
- Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech (aphasia)
- Sudden changes in your vision
To reduce your risk of developing blood clots, try these tips:
Avoid sitting for long periods. If you travel by airplane, walk the aisle periodically. For long car trips, stop and walk around frequently.
Move. After you’ve had surgery or been on bed rest, the sooner you get up and move around, the better.
Drink plenty of fluids when traveling. Dehydration can contribute to the development of blood clots.
Change your lifestyle. Lose weight, lower high blood pressure, stop smoking and exercise regularly.