Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a condition when a clot or a thrombus forms inside one or more deep veins of your body. Usually, it occurs in your legs. In most cases, it does not cause any such symptoms. However, it can show as pain or swelling in the affected area.
Having certain medical conditions can put you at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. A deep vein thrombosis can also occur when you do not move your legs for a long time. For example, when you travel and sit in the same position on the flights or after a surgery or accident when your movement is restricted.
Deep vein thrombosis needs to be treated as soon as possible. Otherwise, if it breaks it can travel in the blood and cause clotting in the lungs leading to a pulmonary embolism- a life-threatening condition. However, that happens rarely.
Pulmonary embolism, if occurs with deep vein thrombosis, the condition is known as venous thromboembolism.
If you have had a deep vein thrombosis, you should attend follow-up visits with a health care provider. To get an expert opinion, you can consult at Iqra medical complex.
What Are The Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis may not cause pronounced symptoms. However, the common symptoms associated with it are:
- Swelling in the affected leg. Very rarely, there can be swelling in both legs.
- Pain in your leg that starts from the calf and travels down
- Soreness and cramping of the leg
- A warm feeling in the affected area
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you have any sign of deep vein thrombosis, you should visit the healthcare provider as soon as possible. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as pulmonary embolism. If you have any of the following signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism, you should visit the emergency department.
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest that may worsen when you take a deep breath or when you cough
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Coughing up blood
What Are The Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis mainly occurs when anything hinders the blood flow. Moreover, it can also occur if you have any health condition that affects blood clotting. It can occur when damage to the blood vessel occurs because of surgery, inflammation, or infection.
How Can You Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis can occur if you keep yourself in the same position for a long time, thereby blood circulation is affected. You can exercise the following tips to prevent thrombosis.
Do Not Sit Still
If you have had surgery or are on bed rest for some reason, try to get moving as soon as possible. Remaining in the same position for a long time can increase the risk of thrombosis. If you need to take bed rest, your healthcare provider may ask you to wear a compression stocking that helps maintain adequate blood flow.
If you are traveling long distances by car, take a break every hour and walk. In the plane, do not sit stagnantly. Keep yourself moving. If you can not keep yourself moving, try raising and lowering your heels while keeping the toes on the floor, then raising the toes with stagnant heels.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk of thrombus formation, hence leading to deep vein thrombosis. Therefore you should quit smoking as soon as possible. If you find it difficult to quit smoking, you can seek professional help.
Healthy Lifestyle
Being overweight and obese can lead increase in the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Doing daily physical activity can help prevent blood clots, especially of the lower legs. Therefore you should maintain a healthy weight according to your body mass index and do daily physical activity for at least half an hour. If you have any symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, you should consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. To get an expert opinion, you can visit an Internal Medicine Specialist.
