Nitin’s father, aged 70 years saw swelling and felt extreme pain in his left leg. At first, he thought it could be normal muscle pain, and took an over-the-counter pain killer. But this didn’t work out and slowly and gradually he experienced difficulty in walking and an increase in swelling. Nitin got worried and got his father diagnosed and found that his father had Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in his left leg. This is a medical term for a blood clot in the leg that could turn out to be fatal if left untreated, as it could reach the lungs or even the heart.
So, what is a blood clot and how is it formed? Were there any blood clot symptoms that Nitin and his father could not detect at the initial stage? If they would have detected the signs of the blood clot, so is there any effective treatment for a blood clot in the leg?
Worry not, we will discuss all these concerns and much more about blood clots in this article, so read on.
What are Blood Clots?
Blood clots are lifesavers when you cut your finger while chopping a vegetable in the kitchen. The bleeding gradually stops when the blood clots. This is where such clots are helpful for you, but otherwise, they could be dangerous for you, especially if the blood clots in a vein or artery. Whether you know it or not, blood clotting is a very crucial mechanism that your body undergoes automatically when any of the blood vessels get injured.
The medical term given to a blood clot is Thrombus or Thrombosis. A thrombus developed to repair the blood vessel on a cut is considered normal, whereas, if it is developed in the leg, brain, or coronary artery, it could be fatal. The medical term given to the condition where there is a blood clot in the leg is Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT.
What are the symptoms of Blood Clot?
The blood clot symptoms vary with different parts of the body. Moreover, some blood clots show no symptoms at all until they burst or dislodge other parts of the body through the circulatory system. Let us examine different signs of blood clots according to different locations of the body:
- The symptoms of a blood clot in the leg are redness, numbness, change of skin color, warm skin, leg cramps, loss of feeling, swelling, and pain.
- The common signs of a blood clot in the lungs are shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid pulse, and fainting.
- The symptoms of a blood clot in the brain are loss of speech, loss of vision, weakness, and dizziness.
- The common signs of a blood clot in the coronary artery are chest pain, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, and indigestion.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT?
DVT takes place when there is a formation of a gel-like tissue made of fibrin and platelets. When a blood clot is developed deep inside a vein or artery in your leg, it can obstruct the blood flow and be problematic. Usually, DVTs are formed in the calves, thighs, or pelvis region.
DVT in itself is not fatal but if the blood clot breaks free and travels to your heart or lungs through the bloodstream it could result in a life-threatening situation. So, treatment of blood clots in the leg should be taken without any delay and from a reliable healthcare facility or physician. There are many deep vein thrombosis treatments available that cures the clotting of blood. These dvt treatment at home is very easy and convenient to perform and can gain fruitful results from that.
What are the Causes of Blood Clot in Leg?
Let us acquaint you with some common causes of a blood clot in the leg:
- Staying immobile for long periods
- Hormone medications like birth control pills
- Past stroke or paralysis
- Undergoing treatment for cancer
- An existing heart condition
- Inheritance and family history of blood clots
- Persistent smoker
- Aged over 65 years
- Underwent surgery recently
What is best treatment for blood clot in leg?
We earlier said that one should seek treatment for a blood clot in the legas early as possible, so what are the types of treatments available for such a condition? Let us talk about the various treatment options for DVT:
1. Anticoagulants
The common medication prescribed for treating DVT or a blood clot in the leg is a blood thinner or anticoagulant. Regular intake of an anticoagulant will not only thinner your blood but will also prevent it from clotting. Although it won’t, in any case, shrink the clot, it can prevent it from getting bigger.
2. Vena Cava Filters
People who are not advised to take anticoagulants from their physician are often advised to use these filters. These filters are effective in preventing the clot from reaching the lungs. A Vena Cava filter is placed inside the body through a minor surgical procedure. It is placed inside a larger vein in the groin region or neck region, and then in the largest vein of the body called Vena Cava. Once placed, this filter can grab the clots when they move across the body. It is perfect to prevent a pulmonary embolism but in no way would it prevent more clots from development.
3. Compression Stockings
Besides taking an anticoagulant, you can wear compression stockings as a remedy for swollen legs due to DVT. These stockings are worn below the knees and compress the lower leg right from the ankle till the knee. The compression decreases from the ankle as the stockings reach the knee to generate a gentle pressure on the leg.
Conclusion
Having understood the main signs of a blood clot, we assume if you note them, you won’t ignore them. You will seek the right treatment for a blood clot in the leg before the situation worsens. Yes, blood clots often get dissolved by themselves, but if they form in places like the legs, heart, or brain, you can’t wait for them to dissolve on their own. It’s important to consult deep vein thrombosis specialists who can provide expert guidance and appropriate treatment. Along with medical treatment, you may also try some home remedies like regular walks and elevating the affected leg to enable proper blood circulation.
FAQs:
Can deep vein thrombosis go away on its own without treatment?
It is not possible for deep vein thrombosis to go away on its own without treatment. In most cases, untreated deep vein thrombosis leads to a clot, which grows larger or breaks off and travels to the lungs. This causes a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening. Anticoagulants can help prevent this risk. These medications stop the clot from getting bigger or migrating to the lungs. The body gradually dissolves it.
Is flying or long travel risky for people with a history of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Long flights or car trips can be a risk for patients with DVT, especially those who are prone to blood clots. Sitting still for hours slows blood flow to the legs, which encourages the formation of clots. Talk to a doctor if you have a lengthy travel planned. They may recommend walking around every 1 to 2 hours and wearing compression stockings. Staying hydrated throughout the travel can also be beneficial. If possible, avoid alcohol. Some take preventative medications beforehand, depending on their medical history.
What foods should be avoided if you're on blood thinners for DVT?
When you are consulting a doctor, ensure you have all the dietary information in relation to your medicines. Certain medications for DVT don’t get along well with vitamin K. You might not need to avoid them entirely, but you can limit your intake. Alcohol and cranberry juice can increase bleeding risk, so they are generally removed from the diet.
Can DVT cause permanent damage to the leg?
Sometimes DVT can cause long-term complications known as post-thrombotic syndrome. This happens when a clot damages the valves in your veins, making blood flow difficult. Symptoms include chronic swelling, pain, skin discolouration, or even ulcers. However, this does not mean every single person with DVT will develop these symptoms. If you are able to detect the condition early and seek treatment while also following management measures, you can reduce the risk of long-term leg damage.
Is exercise safe after a DVT diagnosis?
Gentle exercise is often recommended to patients with DVT. Speak to your doctor before engaging in any strenuous physical activity, no matter how small. Exercises like walking, swimming, or light cycling are generally encouraged. They help improve circulation and prevent further clotting. Start slow and avoid high-impact activities. Avoid heavy lifting, too, until your doctor gives you the green signal. Wear compression socks during exercise, as they can reduce swelling and discomfort.
How is DVT diagnosed—what tests are typically done?
The most common test for DVT is a duplex ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to check blood flow in your veins. These sound waves can help detect blockages like clots. Doctors may also order a D-dimer blood test. If the test shows high levels, it means there is clotting activity. Complex cases require imaging tests, such as a venography or MRI/CT scans. A physical exam and symptom check are the first step. However, the abovementioned tests confirm a diagnosis.
Who is most at risk of developing DVT?
There are several factors that raise the risk of DVT. Your risk of DVT increases if:
- You are immobile for a prolonged period of time frequently (long flights, long hospital stays, etc.)
- You had a recent surgery
- You are pregnant
- You experience obesity
- You are a smoker
- You have a family history of clotting disorders
- You are old (though young people can also develop DVT)
- You have a history of medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and inflammatory disorders.
- You have a history of DVT.
Knowing if you are at risk makes a significant difference in your chances of recovery and management. Contact your doctor if you are noticing any symptoms.
