What symptom might indicate the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Swelling is a primary symptom associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When a thrombus (blood clot) forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, it can obstruct the normal flow of blood. This obstruction leads to an accumulation of fluid in the surrounding tissues, resulting in localized swelling. This symptom is typically unilateral, affecting only one limb rather than both, which is important for diagnosis.

While numbness, extreme fatigue, and headaches can occur in various medical conditions, they are not specific indicators of DVT. Numbness in the foot may suggest nerve or circulatory issues, extreme fatigue can relate to a wide range of systemic conditions, and headaches are unrelated to venous blood clots. Therefore, the presence of swelling distinctly points toward the possibility of DVT and is a critical symptom to recognize during examination and assessment.