Deep vein thrombosis (post-fracture)

After a fracture, especially a hip or leg fracture that needs surgery, people move around much less than usual. Less movement means blood can pool and slow down in the leg veins, which raises the chance that a clot will form. Swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in the calf or thigh are the classic signs to watch for and report right away.

Doctors take this risk seriously around fracture surgery. Common prevention strategies include blood-thinning medication for a period after surgery, compression stockings or devices, and getting patients moving as soon as it's safely possible. The exact plan depends on the type of fracture, the surgery, and a person's other health risks, so it's a decision made by the surgical team, not something to figure out alone.

If a clot does form, it's usually treated with anticoagulant medication to stop it from growing and to prevent it from traveling to the lungs, a complication called pulmonary embolism. If you notice sudden leg swelling, pain, or shortness of breath during fracture recovery, it's worth contacting your care team promptly rather than waiting it out.