This article outlines key symptoms to watch for when patients are referred for vascular care and how...
From professional athletes to everyday people, blood clots can happen to anyone. Learn the warning signs, risk factors and treatment options.
When you hear the words “blood clot,” you might immediately think of leg pain or swelling. But clots aren’t limited to the legs. They can form in the arms, lungs, abdomen and brain. Recognizing the signs early is critical because untreated clots can lead to serious complications.
Inspira Health vascular surgeon Andre Cole, D.O., explained: “Blood clots are the body’s way of preventing bleeding. But when they form in the wrong place, or don’t dissolve as they should, they can become dangerous.”
Recent headlines involving two Philadelphia athletes have brought attention to just how serious blood clots can be. In August 2025, Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler developed a blood clot in his right upper arm near his shoulder and underwent a procedure to break up the clot. More recently, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a blood clot in his left calf that was followed by a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in both lungs.
Their experiences highlight an important reality: Blood clots can affect anyone, regardless of age, fitness level or athletic ability. They can also develop during a range of sports and physical activities, from football and baseball to running, cycling and recreational exercise.
Here's what you should know about blood clots, how they form and when to seek medical care.
How Do Blood Clots Form?
Blood clots begin when platelets and clotting proteins in the blood form a gel-like mass to plug a vessel injury. Normally, this is lifesaving. But sometimes, clots form without injury or don’t dissolve after healing.
Risk factors for blood clots include:
- Long periods of sitting or lying still, like travel, hospitalization or recovery from surgery
- Certain medical conditions, like cancer, infections or clotting disorders
- Vessel injury or inflammation
- Hormonal medications, like birth control or hormone replacement therapy
While regular exercise supports healthy circulation, being physically active doesn't eliminate the risk of developing blood clots. Athletes and people who enjoy recreational sports may experience certain risk factors, including injuries that damage blood vessels, dehydration, prolonged travel to competitions or extended periods of limited movement while recovering from an injury.
These risks aren't limited to contact sports like football. They can affect people who play baseball, basketball, run, cycle and participate in other activities.
“It’s not always one factor that contributes to blood clot formation. It can be a combination. That’s why even healthy, active people can sometimes develop clots,” said Dr. Cole.
What Are The Symptoms of Blood Clots?
Because clots can appear in different areas, symptoms vary. Common warning signs include:
- In the arm: heaviness, swelling, warmth or unexplained pain
- In the leg: swelling, pain or tenderness, especially in the calf, along with warmth, redness or skin discoloration
- In the lungs (pulmonary embolism): chest pain, rapid heartbeat or sudden shortness of breath
- In the abdomen: severe or persistent stomach or back pain
- In the brain: sudden headaches, dizziness, difficulty speaking or weakness on one side of the body
Blood clot symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for common sports injuries, including muscle strains or bruises. That's why it's important to pay attention to unexplained pain or swelling that persists or worsens, even after a seemingly minor injury. A blood clot in a deep vein can also lead to a pulmonary embolism if part of the clot breaks off and travels to the lungs. In some cases, a pulmonary embolism can occur without noticeable symptoms of a clot in the leg.
“The key message is to listen to your body,” said Dr. Cole. “If something feels off, don’t ignore it.”
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unexplained swelling, warmth, redness or persistent pain in an arm or leg. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting or other symptoms of a possible pulmonary embolism, call 9-1-1.
Early treatment can prevent clots from breaking loose and causing more severe problems.
How Are Blood Clots Treated?
Treatment depends on the clot's location, size and severity, along with the patient's overall health. Doctors may prescribe anticoagulants, commonly called blood thinners, to help prevent existing clots from growing and new ones from forming while the body gradually breaks down the clot. In some cases, a procedure may be necessary to remove or break up a clot.
For athletes, treatment may also mean temporarily stepping away from activities. Blood thinners can increase the risk of serious bleeding following an injury, making contact sports particularly risky during treatment. A doctor can help determine when it's safe to resume physical activity.
Whether you're a professional athlete or a weekend runner, following the recommended treatment plan is essential for recovery.
Prevention and Action Steps
While not every clot can be prevented, there are steps to reduce your risk:
- Stay active and avoid sitting for long periods of time
- Stay hydrated, especially during travel
- Talk with your provider if you have a family history of clotting disorders
- Know the symptoms and act fast if they occur
- Don't ignore persistent pain or swelling after an injury, even if you regularly exercise or play sports
At Inspira Health, vascular specialists like Dr. Cole provide advanced treatment for clot-related conditions and help patients manage their risk. If you’re concerned about blood clot symptoms or risk factors, Inspira’s vascular care team is here to support you.
