Causes and Risk Factors:

• Prolonged sitting or bed rest: Think long flights, surgery recovery, or being inactive for a while.

• Injury or surgery: Particularly to the legs or abdomen.

• Certain medical conditions: Such as heart disease or cancer.

• Birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy: Can increase clotting risk.

• Older age: The risk rises with age, especially after 60.

Symptoms:

• Swelling in one leg

• Pain or tenderness, especially when standing or walking

• Red or discolored skin

• Warmth in the affected area

Diagnosis:

• Ultrasound: The most common way to check for a clot in the veins.

• Blood tests: A test called D-dimer can help indicate if a clot is present.

• CT or MRI scans: In more complex cases.

Treatment:

• Blood thinners (anticoagulants): To prevent the clot from growing and new ones from forming.

• Compression stockings: Help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.

• In severe cases: Surgery or clot-busting medications (thrombolytics) may be needed.