Blood Clot in Leg; Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Causes of Blood Clots in the Legs

Several causes can result in deep venous thrombosis in the leg, and they include:

• Long Flights: long flights cause blood to stagnate in the leg. Calf muscles act as small reservoirs for blood, and the stagnation of blood increases the risk of its coagulation.
• Genetic Defects of Coagulation: Some coagulation defects tip the balance towards increased coagulation. They include diseases like protein C and S deficiencies and factor V Leiden mutation and commonly cause blood clots in younger individuals.
• Oral Contraceptive Pills: Oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen increase the risk of blood clot formation. It is not a direct cause, and most women can use them without side effects, but the risk remains, and they are never used in those with increased risk of blood clots.
• Prolonged Bed Stays: Patients who stay in bed for prolonged periods or even those who are incapacitated have a high risk of developing blood clots in their legs. That is why most patients who stay at the hospital have blood thinners as a cautionary measure.
• Cancer: Cancer is one of the most significant risk factors of blood clots in the leg. This can result from different mechanisms including increasing the viscosity of the blood and compressing blood vessels in the pelvis.
• Surgery: Surgery significantly increases the risk of developing blood clots in the leg especially orthopedic surgery involving the bones of the legs and pelvis. Surgery causes severe inflammation and destruction of blood vessels and is usually followed by prolonged hospital stays.  Next lets find out the symptoms of blood clots in the legs..