A Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in one of the deep blood vessels in your body - it usually happens in one leg, but can happen in any of your deep veins

	The symptoms of a DVT
	throbbing or cramping pain in one leg, usually in your calf or thigh - it's rare to have it in both legs swelling in your leg warm skin around the painful area red or darkened skin around the painful area swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them
	These symptoms can also happen in your arm or stomach if that's where the blood clot happens to be

	Things that can cause a DVT
	you've had a blood clot before, or you have a family history of blood clots
	being pregnant
	the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement tablets
	surgery or anything that makes it harder to walk easily, such as having your leg in a plaster cast
	long flights or other travel that lasts longer than 4 hours

	smoking
	being overweight
	getting older
	having cancer
	or having a condition known as sticky blood
	Sometimes it's hard for us to know why you have a blood clot - if this is the case your team will refer you to a specialist

	The treatment for a DVT
	The main treatment is called an anticoagulant Anticoagulant is a type of medicine known as a blood thinner - you may have injections or tablets that will stop your blood from clotting easily
	Your body slowly absorbs the medicine - it makes the swelling go down and lowers the risk of you getting another clot
	over several days of treatment, the pain and swelling should go away

	Sometimes you might need surgery, but this does not happen often
	We usually suggest you carry on taking your medications for at least 3 months - you may need to take them for longer or sometimes for life
	A special blood test will help decide if this is the right treatment for you

	The follow up for a DVT
	We will refer you to an anticoagulation clinic - the team will check there are no problems with the medicine you are taking
	They may do some blood tests and will answer any questions you may have
	We may refer you to another clinic if we think you need some more tests

	Getting urgent help You must get medical help straight away...
	if your symptoms get worse
	if you have new symptoms
	if you have chest pain or breathlessness
	if you are coughing blood or vomiting blood
	or if you have increased leg swelling

	After you get home
	You may not be able to do as much physical activity as usual
	Avoid long periods of exercise in the first few weeks
	If you need a painkiller, take a paracetamol
	You must not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac These medicines are anti-inflammatories and may interfere with your treatment and possibly increase the risk of bleeding

	Always check with your GP or pharmacist before taking any medicines to make sure they are safe to take with your treatment - this includes anything you buy over the counter
	Eat a healthy diet and watch your weight
	Alcohol can stop your anticoagulant medicine working properly - we suggest you do not drink more than 1 or 2 units of alcohol each day
	Alcohol increases your risk of falls and injuries - these can be more serious if you are taking an anticoagulant
	Don't do any long distance travel for up to 2 weeks

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
	A common thing to get if you have a DVT is PTS - symptoms of PTS include leg swelling, varicose veins and sometimes leg ulcers
	Compression socks may help - but you should not wear them until the swelling in your leg has settled
	Walking and exercise lower your risk of getting PTS
	You could have more chance of having another blood clot in the future, compared to someone who has never had a blood clot
	Make sure you tell any healthcare professionals you see that you have a history of blood clots - this may affect your treatment