Can You Feel a Blood Clot Move?

Blood clots are gel-like clumps of blood that form when platelets, proteins, and cells stick together inside blood vessels. They are natural and necessary to help control bleeding and initiate healing after injury. However, blood clots can also cause serious medical issues if they form without cause or in a place where they should not be and block normal blood flow. The consequences of an unnecessary blood clot can be deadly and include such medical emergencies as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke.

Since blood clot awareness campaigns such as the National Blood Clot Alliance’s Stop the Clot Spread the Word ^TM have successfully educated the general public about the dangers of blood clots, one question that often arises is: Is it possible to feel a blood clot move in the body? The answer is not a simple yes or no but depends on various factors, including the location and size of the clot.

Understanding Blood Clots

Before delving into whether an individual can feel a blood clot move, it's essential first to understand how blood clots form. According to the American Society of Hematology, blood clots can occur in veins or arteries and result from a complex process called coagulation. During this process, coagulation factors (which are proteins manufactured by the liver) and other substances come together to form an insoluble “gel plug” that stops blood loss and begins the healing process after the skin has been broken due to injury, surgery, etc.

However, clots can sometimes form even when there is no injury. Known as thrombus, these clots can become problematic if they break loose and travel through the bloodstream, a condition known as thromboembolism. Depending on their size and location, these clots can cause serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Phlebitis

Sometimes, clots that form very close to the skin's surface, known as phlebitis or superficial thrombophlebitis, may be noticeable to the touch. While phlebitis typically presents with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, and changes in the color and texture of the skin surrounding the affected area, these clots can sometimes be felt as a hard cord just under the skin's surface.

However, one cannot feel a blood clot cannot move through the circulatory system.

Phlebitis commonly affects veins in the legs but can also occur in the arms or neck. Symptoms may worsen when the leg is lowered or during certain movements. According to Clevland Clinic, superficial phlebitis is usually not as serious as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and often resolves on its own within a few weeks. However, medical treatment may be necessary if symptoms are severe or persistent.

What are the complications of superficial thrombophlebitis?

While the complications of superficial thrombophlebitis are rare, per the Mayo Clinic, pulmonary embolism and post-phlebitis syndrome (lasting leg pain and swelling) are possible. The post-phlebitis syndrome can last for years, and the pain can be disabling.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a clot forms in one of the deep veins, typically in the leg or thigh. DVT affects as many as 900,000 people in the United States and kills up to 100,000, per the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some people with DVT report a dull ache, tightness, or warmth in the affected area as the clot moves or grows.

The most common symptoms of DVT include:

• Swelling or throbbing in one leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
• Warm, painful skin
• Red or darkened skin
• Hard, swollen, or painful veins to the touch

It’s important to note, however, that not everyone with DVT experiences noticeable symptoms. The CDC estimates that about half of people with DVT have no symptoms at all.

Blood Clots and Varicose Veins: The Connection

Bulging, swollen, twisted, visible leg veins, known as varicose veins, are a sign that healthy blood flow in the lower extremities is interrupted. When the tiny valves inside the leg veins become weak, the sluggish blood flow can cause superficial blood clots, known as superficial thrombophlebitis.

Though manageable through lifestyle changes like exercise and hydration, thrombophlebitis requires proper diagnosis and treatment from a healthcare professional to rule out blood clots. Center for Vein Restoration, the nation’s #1 physician-led vein center, offers innovative treatment options for suspected cases of thrombophlebitis. Request a consultation to take control of your vein health and prioritize your well-being through early intervention.

Pulmonary Embolism

Another potentially serious condition involving a moving clot is a pulmonary embolism (PE). This occurs when a clot breaks loose from elsewhere in the body, such as the legs, and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. According to the American Lung Association, some people with PE may experience sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, which could be a sign of the clot moving and obstructing blood flow in the lungs.

However, as with DVT, not everyone with PE experiences noticeable symptoms, and some cases can go undetected.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary embolism?

• Shortness of breath (the most common symptom)
• Sharp chest pain that worsens with exertion or taking a deep breath
• Pain that worsens with coughing, bending, or leaning over
• Fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Coughing up blood

Act fast! A pulmonary embolism can be deadly. Even if you can't feel a clot, it's still crucial to be aware of the risk factors and potential symptoms associated with thromboembolism.

Factors Affecting Clot Detection

Several factors can influence whether someone can feel a blood clot move within their body. These include:

1. Clot size: Larger clots are generally more likely to cause noticeable symptoms than smaller ones.
2. Clot location: Clots in larger blood vessels or near nerve endings may be more noticeable than those in smaller vessels or less sensitive areas.
3. Individual sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to changes in their bodies and better able to detect clots than others.
4. Underlying health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes, can affect nerve function and potentially reduce the ability to feel clots.

Blood Clots: Not Always Detectable, But Early Signs Save Lives

While some people may be able to feel a blood clot move within their body, especially if the clot is large or located near the skin's surface, many clots can go unnoticed. The ability to detect a moving clot depends on various factors, including the clot's size, location, and individual sensitivity.

It's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with life-threatening conditions like DVT and PE and to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms. Early detection and treatment of blood clots can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications and potentially save lives.

Blood clots can be life-threatening, and early intervention is essential. That’s why Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) offers a same-day DVT-rule-out service. Our hotline is 877-SCAN-DVT (877-722-6388).

Remember: Having severe varicose veins puts you at greater risk of developing deep vein blood clots. Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) is the nation’s leading physician-led vein center, diagnosing and managing chronic venous insufficiency, an underlying trigger of varicose veins. CVR's team of board-certified vein specialists are experts at detecting and managing compromised blood vessels before they escalate into blood clots.

Call CVR at 240-512-4921 to speak with a knowledgeable Patient Services Representative who can answer your vein-related questions. You can also book a consultation online at a CVR vein clinic near you.