Does anyone have any advice for a superficial bloot clot on my foot?

Question

I've had a blood clot on top of my foot for 3 months now. I've been taking aspirin for weeks at a time, along with either Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Advil), I've been soaking my foot in hot water for hours, I've used a warm compress, and I've elevated my foot when I can (especially when I'm sleeping), but the clot remains. If I had insurance, obviously I'd see a doctor, but since I don't I'm wondering if anyone has any advise for this clot. I'm considering cutting along the length of the vein and seeing what happens. The vein hurts a little and my calf is occasionally sore. Sure, its possible I have deep vein thrombosis, but without insurance and any severe symptoms, that isn't something I can address.

If things get worse, than I'll see a doctor but I'm not going until then. As far as where it likely came from, I worked a summer job where I was on the ground for 10-12 hours, and for hours at a time I'd sit on that foot.

The clot will respond OK to heat, it seems to reduce the inflammation, but when the heat goes the size of the vein and the degree of hardness returns.

I take it no one advises cutting it? What harm can come of that versus the benefits?

I do appreciate the replies. Thank you for them.

Answer 1

You don't need to make a doctor appointment, you need to go directly to the Emergency Room. I had plebitis in my arm, as well as a DVT that broke and became a PE. I nearly died, and I have permanent lung damage as a result. Please, go to the ER. They can't refuse you. I have a clotting disorder. You need to get tested for one too.

*Phlebitis (fle-BYE-tis) means inflammation of a vein. Thrombophlebitis is due to one or more blood clots in a vein that cause inflammation. Thrombophlebitis usually occurs in leg veins, but it may occur in an arm. The thrombus in the vein causes pain and irritation and may block blood flow in the veins. Phlebitis can occur in both the surface (superficial) or deep veins.

*Superficial phlebitis affects veins on the skin surface. The condition is rarely serious and, with proper care, usually resolves rapidly. Sometimes people with superficial phlebitis also get deep vein thrombophlebitis, so a medical evaluation is necessary.


*Deep vein thrombophlebitis affects the larger blood vessels deep in the legs. Large blood clots can form, which may break off and travel to the lungs. This is a serious condition called pulmonary embolism.

When to Seek Medical Care
Call your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of swelling, pain, and inflamed superficial veins on the arms or legs. If you are not better in a week or two, get reevaluated to make sure you don't have a more serious condition.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis requires immediate medical care. If you have any of these signs and symptoms, go to a hospital emergency department for evaluation:

High fever with any symptoms in an arm or leg

Lumps in a leg

Severe pain and swelling in an arm or leg

New, unexplained significant shortness of breath, which could be the first tip-off that a blood clot has already traveled to your lung

Answer 2

How did you get the clot? The fact your calve hurts is not a good sign as there could be more clots, they can break off and go to the lungs, heart, brain, that can be a serious problem, you need to see a doctor pronto, plus if you have the clot from an injury then it could be a sign of infection in the calve too. If it's JUST a small clot and under the skin, not attached to ANY vein, you can take vitamin K cream and massage it in to help dissolve it but I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole knowing your calve hurts too.

Answer 3

I think that you've done everything that you can do to clear this up. You have some alternatives for medical care. You can go to a regular physician and explain your financial situation and ask for some help. You can also try to find a free clinic or check with your local health department for a low cost clinic in your area. You could also try an alternative medicine specialist who may use less invasive methods of dealing with the issue.

I do think that you should call the doctor as I am sure you'd rather be broke and have two feet than be a broke amputee. I hope that you're better soon.