Can a DVT cause only swollen toes with no swelling, redness or pain anywhere else?
Information about deep vein thromboses tends to focus on symptoms involving the calves, behind the knee and even the thighs.
But what about just the toes?
“When you have DVT, it is a blockage in the deep vein,” says Dr. Lawrence Presant, DO, chief medical officer at Arizona Vein Specialists, and an expert on blood clots.
“All the drainage below that blockage will be interfered with, and swelling will develop.
“So if you have DVT in the foot, your toes will swell. Anything below the blockage will swell.”
Does this mean that if you notice that only your toes have been swollen lately, you have a deep vein thrombosis?
Not necessarily. Dr. Presant explains, “Sometimes the early phases of lymphedema [swelling due to excess lymph fluid] may only be apparent with toe swelling before advancing.”
However, if you’re in the early stages of lymphedema, chances are pretty high that what you see on one foot will also be visible on the other foot.
Whereas with a DVT, you’ll see signs only on one foot (or wherever the affected area is), since it’s extremely unlikely that anyone will develop one of these blood clots in an equal way at the same time in both legs in the same location.
DVT “Only in the Toes”
When a blood clot in a deep vein involves only the toes, this can be due to several issues.
A clot can develop in the veins close to the toes, though this is a rare occurrence.
Or, if a person suffers from chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral artery disease – and they develop a DVT, there may be more pronounced puffiness in the toes.
Lastly, swelling in the toes could be secondary to DVT if the clot affects blood flow in a way that impacts circulation to the extremities.
In summary, it’s possible for a DVT to cause swelling only in one’s toes, but this is very unusual.
DVT Prevention – It’s More than You Think
A DVT “only in the toes” is just as concerning as one higher up.
This is because a piece of these blood clots can spontaneously break away and in a flash, get stuck in your lungs, making it hard to breathe.
The worst case scenario is that a runaway fragment – or even the entire clot – will be big enough to prevent any oxygen from entering your lungs. Death will be quick.
Preventing a DVT is all about keeping those legs moving and staying on top of your health game. Here are some easy and effective tips to help you dodge deep vein thrombosis:
Stretch It Out: If you’re sitting for a while — think long car rides or flights — make sure to stretch your legs, do repetitive contractions of your calves and wiggle those toes.
No More Laze: Aerobic and weight workouts keep your blood pumping. Stop making excuses for avoiding an exercise program.
Hydrate Like a Boss: Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps prevent your blood from getting sticky and thick.
Kick the Habit: If you smoke, quitting is a huge win for your overall health and helps keep your blood vessels in tip-top shape.
For more information: DVT Pain vs. Sciatica Pain: Key Differences
Dr. Lawrence Presant, DO, is chief medical officer at Arizona Vein Specialists in Phoenix, and a certified diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. A vein surgeon specialist, his passion is phlebology, the diagnosis and treatment of painful and unsightly vein disorders.
Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified through the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness she trained women and men of all ages for fat loss, muscle building, fitness and improved health.
.
