A blood clot in the arm is due to the accumulation of blood in the deep veins within the arm. These can be due to pregnancy, prolonged immobility and smoking. Blood clots are semi-solid mases of blood. Blood clotting is needed by the body to stop bleeding when there is an injury, but if blood clotting is uncontrollable, it can result to dangerous complications. The clots can occur in different areas of the body including the legs, lungs, brain, heart, abdomen and the arms
Symptoms of a blood clot in the arm
- Swelling of the affected area in the arm or the entire arm. The swelling is due to the inflammation of the vein that has a blood clot.
- Redness or warmth
- Soreness or pain. There is a mild aching pain that becomes severe that is like joint pain.
Swelling of the affected area in the arm or the entire arm. The swelling is caused by the inflammation of the vein that has a blood clot.
Some conditions can cause symptoms where the blood clot can spread to the lungs through the bloodstream and cause problems with normal breathing. Symptoms begin with a cough and when it becomes severe, the cough may contain blood. Chest pain can be experienced which requires medical care.
Treatment
- Give the affected person an anticoagulant or blood thinner to prevent it from developing into a pulmonary embolus
- Use an injectable enoxaparin to thin out the blood and blood clots as well as prevent the worsening of the condition.
- The vena cava filter placement treatment involves the placement of a filter in the veins of the arms to prevent fragments of the blood clot from spreading through the veins up to the lungs or heart.
- Consume at least 3 cloves of garlic every day. Garlic increases the circulation of blood all over the body and lessen the formation of blood clots.
- Consume a fibrous diet since it prevents blood from becoming thick. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, seeds, raw nuts, whole grains, almonds, legumes, peanuts, walnuts and sunflower seeds. Walnuts are rich in Vitamin E content and helps in thinning the blood and prevent blood clots in the veins especially in the arms.
- Avoid fatty and sugary foods to prevent the formation of a blood clot.
- Perform exercises that move the arm to lessen the symptoms of blood clots in the arm. Perform exercises at least 10 to 15 seconds and stretches for 3-4 times per session.
- If overweight, try to lose some weight to lessen the chances of developing blood clots in the arm.
- Quit smoking
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and lessen the formation of blood clots.
Disclaimer
The material posted on this page for a blood clot is for learning purposes only. If you want to learn more about circulatory issues including a blood clot in the arm, register for a first aid course with a training provider near you.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/dvt/qa/how-can-you-tell-if-a-blood-clot-is-forming-in-your-arms-and-legs
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-blood-clot
https://www.webmd.com/dvt/qa/how-can-you-tell-if-a-blood-clot-is-forming-in-your-arms-and-legs