Deep vein thrombosis is a severe condition that can lead to lung and heart complications. It is as a result of blood solidifying into clots or clumps in veins, blocking normal blood flow. Most of the clots form in the thigh or lower leg veins, but they may also develop in other areas of the body such as the arms. If you are battling deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in East Orlando, it will help if you are aware of the disease’s symptoms so that your doctor can intervene before the condition worsens.
How do you know you have DVT?
You may experience some swelling on the part of the body where the clot forms. The area may turn bluish, reddish, or pale and feel warmer than the rest of the skin. You may also experience unexplained pain, cramping and tingling on one of your legs, foot, or ankle. If the blood clot is in the arm, you may experience muscle weakness, pain that moves from the shoulder, and neck pain. The skin may turn blue, swell, and the affected hand may be weak.
What causes deep vein thrombosis
The cause is a clot that takes place in the veins; therefore, it is essential to find out what causes blood to solidify, leading to the condition. In some cases, surgery may lead to blood clots where some veins could be damaged when carrying out a procedure. Prolonged bed rest, use of oral contraceptives, inactivity, pregnancy, blood clotting disorders, obesity and smoking also may lead to DVT.
Why is DVT a serious condition?
Blood clots to the arms and legs may not cause considerable damage even when painful, but the clot may move up the bloodstream into the veins in your lungs, blocking blood flow. This may lead to pulmonary embolism, a severe condition that needs emergency medical intervention. In some cases, the legs’ clot may damage the veins when left untreated for long.
What is the treatment plan?
Diagnosis is critical in the treatment plan. Through ultrasounds, doctors can verify your condition and the location of the clots. They will also get to know if there are multiple clots in the veins. Anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications may be prescribed. Also, a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be recommended when the clot needs to be removed fast, such as when it is causing a lot of damage to the vein, or it has moved from its initial position.
Healthy lifestyle changes to observe
Leading an active life means exercising regularly and observing a healthy diet. It is critical to your blood health. Also, avoid smoking and cut down on weight if you are obese. If you notice any of the symptoms, it’s essential to notify your doctor for a fast diagnosis. This can happen if you have been on bed rest for some time, are pregnant, or taking medication that may lead to blood clotting.
Most people may not know that they have DVT until it results in vein damage or lung embolism. Talk to your physician immediately or look for a deep vein thrombosis expert when you suspect the issue.
