A blood clot, known as Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein. These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm. They can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that a DVT is preventable, and treatable if discovered early.
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Symptoms
About half of people with a DVT have no symptoms at all. However, the following are the most common symptoms of a DVT in the leg:
• Swelling
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Redness of the skin or purple discoloration -
Causes
Items that cause a DVT include anything that damages the inner lining of a vein; e.g. surgery, an injury, or your immune system. If your blood is thick or flows slowly, it's more likely to form a clot, especially in a vein that's already damaged. People who have certain genetic disorders or more estrogen in their system are more likely to have blood clots. When the knee is bent, blood stays stagnant in the lower leg for longer. This is why long flights put you at risk.
People with a higher risk of getting a leg DVT are those who:
• Have cancer
• Have had surgery
• Are on extended bed rest
• Are older
• Smoke
• Are overweight or obese
• Sit for long times, like on a long airplane flight
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Treatment
Medication is often used to prevent and treat DVTs. Compression stockings (CS) are recommended to prevent DVTs and relieve pain and swelling. These need to be worn for at least 2 years if you’ve already had a DVT. In severe cases, the clot might need to be removed surgically. CS are an easy, preventative tool and are available at all BioPed clinics.
