Dana S Simpler, an internist in Baltimore, explained that DTV "commonly forms after prolonged bed rest or travel where the calves have been still and the blood can pool and clot in the veins." Hereditary factors, birth control pills and hormone therapy increase the risk of occurrence.

Symptoms
The National Blood Clot Alliance warns that swelling, pain, tenderness, reddish or bluish skin discoloration and unusual warmness are common symptoms of DVT, typically in the legs. These indicators are similar to those of a Charlie horse or a pulled muscle.

Signs of PT include breathlessness, stabbing chest pain, increased heart rate and unusual coughing.

Diagnosis
There are a few methods for determining whether someone has DVT. Blood tests can see if a patient has a heightened level of D dimer, a clot-dissolving substance that increases when one has DVT.

CT and MRI scans can generate images of the clot for inspection. Ultrasounds can create a moving image of the suspected clot on a video screen with a transducer.