Symptoms of DVT
What Is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a potentially fatal condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more of the body’s deep veins. DVT most commonly occurs in leg veins, but the clot can also break loose from the vein and travel through the body. In some cases the clot lodges elsewhere in the body, often in the lungs, a serious condition called a pulmonary embolism. If this happens, death can occur if prompt medical treatment is not sought. In today’s post we are going to discuss DVT and the signs that you may be suffering from this possibly lethal condition.
Risk Factors:
Deep vein thrombosis often occurs following periods of immobility, such as during a long flight or car ride, or while hospitalized or otherwise confined to a bed. If you know you will be sitting still or otherwise immobile for an extended period, take steps to help prevent blood clots. During a long plane ride, for example, get up periodically and move around, even if it’s just to walk up and down the aisles or go to the bathroom. If you’re hospitalized or have a medical condition that keeps you immobile, your doctor may recommend mild exercises or physical therapy to help prevent blood clots. Other risk factors include smoking, being overweight or being over age 60.
Signs and Symptoms:
WDVT doesn’t always come with symptoms, which is another reason why it’s so important to avoid being too sedentary or immobile. You may not realize a blood clot has developed, and in fact may feel fine until the condition has progressed and you need emergency medical intervention. However, there are some symptoms that are common to DVT, primarily pain and swelling. It’s typically only the affected leg that swells, although it’s possible that both will. Pain is also a common symptom, and usually begins in the calf. It may not be an acute pain, but may instead feel more like a cramp or possibly soreness or tenderness. In addition, the pain may only occur when you stand or walk, which means if you stay sitting you may not notice it. This is another reason why it’s important to get up and move around. The skin on the affected leg may also become red or discolored, and may possibly feel warm. You may also experience fatigue in your legs, and your veins may become more noticeable.
DVT and Vein Disease:
Often times, after a person suffers from DVT, they can develop Postphlebitic (or postthrombotic) syndrome. The DVT will damage the valve in the vein. This is when a person has symptomatic chronic vein insufficiency (CVI) after having deep vein thrombosis. DVT is the most common identifiable risk factor for CVI. The symptoms could include a sense of fullness, heaviness, aching, cramps, pain and tiredness in the lower legs. Skin changes may also occur such as venous statis dermatitis (when skin turns reddish brown) or venous statis ulcers which are difficult to heal once formed unless the underlying venous disease is addressed.
If you have a history of DVT and have any of the symptoms discussed, you may be suffering from CVI. At Alpha Vein Clinic, Dr Sassan Kaveh can assess your condition and give you an accurate diagnosis along with his knowledgeable staff and in office technology. Come in for a consultation so they may create a customized treatment plan that will bring you relief and help you maintain your vein health for years to come.
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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