What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition in which thrombus- a blood clot forms inside your vein, that eventually impairs blood flow to the affected part of your body. Mostly it occurs in the lower leg or thigh. The inflammation of the vein due to thrombosis is known as thrombophlebitis. Sometimes it may show no symptoms, while sometimes it may cause pain in the leg and swelling. If you have the same symptoms, visit the best general physician in Lahore.

Deep vein thrombosis usually occurs when you stay sedentary for a long time. It can happen due to long flights or after an accident when you have to rest in bed for a long time. A thrombus or a blood clot can travel in your body. When it reaches the lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are:

Swelling in the leg, rarely in both legs

Cramps that start from the calf and reach to the legs

Severe pain in foot and ankle

Change of skin color to blue or red

The skin of the affected area becomes warmer than other parts of the body.

People with deep vein thrombosis of the upper extremities get the following symptoms:

Pain in arm

Shoulder pain

Neck pain

Swelling in hand

Weakness in hand

Pain that starts from the arm and reaches to the forearm

Mostly, it shows no signs and symptoms until a life-threatening condition like embolism occurs.

What Are The Causes Of Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis occurs due to the formation of a clot. That can occur due to any of the following reasons.

Injury

Any injury to your blood vessel can constrict it, which may impair blood flow and form a clot that eventually clogs the vein.

Surgery

During surgery, damage can occur to your vein, which can lead to impaired blood flow, hence clot formation.

Staying At Rest

Staying in bed for a long time, or during long flights, when you keep your legs in the same position, can also cause your blood to form clots. Reduced mobility affects the lower part of your body.

Medications

Some medications can increase the risk of blood clot formation.

What Are The Treatment Options For Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Medications

Your healthcare provider would give you a prompt treatment. If left untreated, it can lead to many complications and eventually can cause death. They may administer your blood-thinning drugs like warfarin and enoxaparin. These drugs will work to thin up your blood so that no clot formation occurs.

If blood thinners do not show efficient results, they will administer thrombolytics, which work to reduce the size of the thrombus. Make sure you take the right dose of blood thinners and thrombolytics. If you take them more than prescribed, they can cause internal bleeding. Also, if you get any cut or injury, your blood would not stop with ease.

Your healthcare provider would ask you to get tested for clotting time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio frequently with thrombolytics and blood-thinning drugs. So, they can get an insight into how thin your blood is and how much time does it take to form a clot.

Compression Stocking

Compression stocking exerts pressure on your legs and keeps your blood in circulation, hence prevents clot formation. Your healthcare provider may ask you to wear it if you are at high risk, like on bed rest for a long time.

Filters

If you are unable to take blood thinners due to some reason, your healthcare provider may insert filters in your large abdominal vein called vena cava. These filters prevent the entry of a clot to your lungs, hence preventing embolism, a life-threatening condition. But, filters themselves can cause deep vein thrombosis if left inside for a long time. Therefore, you will have to get it removed soon.

Conclusion

Deep vein thrombosis can be prevented if you keep yourself moving. If you have to take long-duration flights, keep moving your legs, try to walk after some time. Moreover, if you have to do bed rest due to any reason, wearing a compression stocking can help in preventing it.

Moreover, incorporate exercise in your routine, maintain a healthy weight, and monitor your blood pressure. If you have a complaint of hypertension, visit the best general physician in Islamabad.