Blood Clots After Hip Replacement
Hip replacement temporarily increases the risk of deep-vein thrombosis, or DVT. A clot can form in the calf, thigh or pelvis; if part travels to the lungs it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. Prevention is planned before symptoms appear because some clots cause few warning signs.
For the principal treatment page, read Hip Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai.
Quick Answer
Prevention balances clot risk against bleeding risk for the individual patient.
The plan may combine early mobilisation, ankle movement, mechanical measures and a prescribed medicine.
Do not start, stop, double or substitute aspirin or another anticoagulant without medical advice.
New one-sided calf or thigh swelling needs assessment; massage is not an appropriate diagnostic test or treatment.
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting or collapse requires emergency care.
Who May Have Higher Risk?
Risk may be higher with a previous DVT or pulmonary embolism, thrombophilia, active cancer, marked immobility, smoking, obesity, hormone treatment, major medical illness, family history, older age or complex surgery. Previous bleeding, kidney disease and other medicines affect the safest prevention option.
How Clots Are Prevented
Mobilise as advised and change position regularly.
Perform prescribed ankle and circulation exercises.
Take the selected anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine for the prescribed duration.
Use stockings or compression devices when prescribed and ensure the foot remains warm, normally coloured and comfortable.
Maintain hydration when medically appropriate and report interrupted recovery or readmission.
Read Walking After Hip Replacement.
Possible DVT Symptoms
Possible signs include new one-sided calf or thigh swelling, pain or tenderness, warmth, redness, or a leg that becomes noticeably larger than the other. Normal postoperative swelling can complicate interpretation, and DVT can be present without obvious symptoms. Ultrasound is commonly used when DVT is suspected.
Pulmonary Embolism Is an Emergency
Sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, rapid heartbeat, fainting, collapse or unexplained severe deterioration after surgery can signal pulmonary embolism. Call emergency services immediately. Do not drive yourself to a clinic or wait for the symptom to settle.
Travel After Hip Replacement
Long sitting adds to postoperative immobility. Discuss flights or long car journeys with the surgical team, particularly when clot risk is above average or anticoagulation is continuing. Follow only the prescribed prevention plan; do not add extra aspirin or anticoagulant independently.
Bleeding and Medicine Precautions
Seek advice for persistent wound bleeding, rapidly expanding bruising or repeated nose or urinary bleeding.
Seek urgent care for black stools, vomiting blood, severe headache after a fall or uncontrolled bleeding.
Tell dentists and other clinicians which medicine you are taking and why.
Read First Week and Wound Care After Hip Replacement.
Questions Patients Commonly Ask
How long does clot risk remain?
Risk is highest around surgery and early recovery but does not end on one universal day. Prophylaxis duration is selected from the procedure and patient risk.
Does calf pain always mean DVT?
No. Muscle soreness and swelling are common, but a new one-sided pattern cannot be diagnosed safely at home.
Can I take extra aspirin before a flight?
Not unless the treating clinician directs it. Extra aspirin or anticoagulant can increase bleeding and disrupt the prescribed plan.
Clinical References
NICE NG89: Venous thromboembolism prevention in hospital patients
AAOS OrthoInfo: Deep Vein Thrombosis
AAHKS: Traveling After Hip Replacement Surgery
About Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya
Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai. Clot prevention is individualised by balancing VTE risk, bleeding risk, medical health and recovery rather than using one medicine for every patient. Qualifications: MBBS, D’Ortho, DNB (Orthopedics), MNAMS (Orthopedics), FIJR (Robotic & Navigation). Read his professional profile.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya. Last medically reviewed: 17 July 2026.
Book a Hip-Replacement Follow-Up
For sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting or collapse, seek emergency care. For postoperative review, consultations are available in Ghatkopar East and Ghatkopar West, Mumbai. Call or WhatsApp +91 84249 03913 or +91 96113 30063, or use the orthopedic appointment page.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide provides general education and does not replace individual VTE-risk assessment, emergency evaluation or prescribed anticoagulant instructions.