Have you recently been suffering from let pain or swelling? Did you recently visit your doctor? Do you have DVT (or Deep Vein Thrombosis? Do you have an understanding of what DVT is?
Even though there aren’t always noticeable symptoms, Deep Vein Thrombosis is when a blood clot, or a thrombus, forms in the veins deep in your body. Usually, DVT can cause leg pain and swell in one of your legs.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes?
DVT, or Deep Vein Thrombosis, can be brought on if you have certain medical conditions that affect the way that your blood clots - coagulation conditions and disorders such as Hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease. But those aren’t the only conditions that can bring on DVT. A blood clot can also form in your legs when you don’t move for an extended period - like when you travel long distances or are on bed rest.
When it comes to DVT, the most common causes are anything that prevents blood from flowing freely and properly clotting - which is what causes a blood clot. The reasons can range from coagulation conditions and disorders to veins damaged due to surgery, inflammation, infection, or injury.
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a serious condition, one that you should see your doctor about if you suspect that you have it. But did you know that sometimes DVT occurs without noticeable signs or symptoms? But, when there are noticeable, the signs and symptoms include:
- Leg Swelling
One of the most noticeable symptoms of DVT is swelling in one or both legs. This is due to veins deep in your pelvis or legs having a blood blockage (or clot). - Leg Pain
The second most common sign of DVT is Leg pain may vary, such as cramping or soreness starting in the calf - radiating outwards. - Changing Skin Color
Sometimes with DVT, the color of the skin on your leg will change to colors such as red or purple. - The Feeling of Warmth
You will sometimes feel the warmth radiating through the affected leg with DVT.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Many things in our everyday lives can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. Here are five of the top DVT risk factors - and remember, the more risk factors you have, the greater your risk of developing DVT.
- Age
DVT can indeed occur in anyone at any age - all that matters is if they have a condition that affects how their blood clots. But, it is also true that anyone older than 60 is at an increased risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis. - Lack of movement
Did you know that moving around and your muscles contract helps circulate your blood flow? Unfortunately, when your legs don’t move for a long time, like when you are sitting for an extended period (driving or flying), your calf muscles will not contract - and therefore won’t help your blood flow and circulate properly through your body. This will only increase the risk of DVT. - Pregnancy
Did you know that when you are pregnant, your pregnancy increases the pressure in your veins, especially those in your pelvis and legs? This pressure is what increases the chances of blood clots developing. But, the chances of blood clots do not stop once the baby is born. The risk of forming blood clots continues up to six weeks after the baby is born. - Heart Failure
If you suffer from heart failure, this will increase your chances of developing DVT - because the heart and lungs do not work well in people who suffer from heart failure. - Personal or Family History of DVT
Has someone in your family ever suffered from, or is suffering from, Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism? If the answer is yes to one or both, you are at a greater risk of developing DVT.
How To Prevent DVT?
If you find that you are at an increased risk of developing DVT, a few lifestyle changes may help prevent DVT - and a healthier life. Here are a few changes to help with your DVT prevention.
- Move Your Legs
This is especially helpful if you have had surgery, have been on bed rest, or have been traveling for an extended time. To help prevent blood flow blockage, try stretching your legs by walking around or doing lower leg exercises. - Don’t Smoke
When you smoke, this impacts your health significantly. It affects how your blood flows and clots, increasing your chances of developing DVT. - Manage Your Weight
When you are overweight or obese, this increases the pressure on your veins - especially those in your pelvis and legs. And because of this, your risk of developing DVT will increase.
Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a severe medical condition that causes blood clots that form due to blood flow blockage. When a blood clot forms, there is always the chance that it can break loose and travel through the bloodstream - getting stuck in your lungs and blocking even more of your blood (also known as PE, pulmonary embolism). So, if you suspect that you might suffer from DVT, or have the possibility of developing DVT, don’t take this condition lightly and speak with your doctor!