Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment in Sadashiv Peth, Pune
When a blood clot forms in a vein that is located deep inside the body, this condition is called deep vein thrombosis. It could happen if the blood moves through the veins too slowly. Deep vein thrombosis most commonly occurs in the pelvis, lower leg, or thighs however it can occur in other body parts too. If left untreated, DVT can be fatal.
Symptoms
Only half of the people who have deep vein thrombosis experience its symptoms, which include:
- Cramping pain in the affected leg that begins in the calf
- One area of skin feels warmer than the surrounding skin
- Swelling in the leg, foot, or ankle on one side
- Pale or bluish or reddish skin color over the affected area
- Severe pain in the ankle and foot that is unexplained
If DVT occurs in the arm, then its symptoms are:
- Swelling in the hand or arm
- Pain moving from the arm to the forearm
- Shoulder pain
- Blue-tinted skin color
- Neck pain
- Weakness in the hand
If a DVT clot moves from the leg or arm into the lung, it is known as pulmonary embolism. It is usually when a pulmonary embolism occurs and one gets treatment for it, that people find out that they have deep vein thrombosis.
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Causes
The main reason for deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot. Due to the blood clot, blood circulation in the body gets affected. Blood clots can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Injury – An injury to a blood vessel’s wall can cause the blood flow to become narrow or blocked, which can lead to the formation of a blood clot.
- Surgery – Sometimes, during surgery, blood vessels end up getting damaged which can lead to blood clots forming.
- Medications – Certain medications can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Inactivity – Reduced mobility for long periods can cause the blood flow in the legs to slow down. This can lead to blood clots.
Treatment
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of DVT, you should consult your healthcare provider immediately. The goal of DVT treatments is to prevent the clot from growing and to lower the risk of pulmonary embolism and further clots from developing.
Various treatment methods can be used for DVT, including:
- Medication – Certain medications such as heparin, enoxaparin, warfarin, or fondaparinux might be prescribed by your doctor as these help thin the blood and in turn, make it harder for the blood to clot. These medications also keep an existing clot as small as possible and reduce the risk of further clots developing. If you have a case of severe DVT or if blood thinners don’t work, your doctor might use thrombolytic drugs, that work by breaking up clots. Upper extremity DVT patients also benefit from thrombolytic drugs.
- Filters – In case an individual with DVT is not able to take blood thinners, then the doctor would recommend getting a filter placed inside the vena cava, which is a large abdominal vein. This can stop clots from entering the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. However, filters can sometimes cause DVT if left in for too long. Hence, it is a good short-term treatment option until blood thinners can be used.
- Compression stockings – Swelling in the legs can be prevented using compression stockings. It also helps lower the risk of blood clots. Doctors might recommend you to wear these every day if you are at high risk for DVT.
- Surgery – If there is a very large blood clot or if a clot is causing serious issues such as tissue damage, surgery for DVT might be recommended. A surgical thrombectomy is performed to remove the blood clot. In this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision into a blood vessel and locates the clot. Once the clot is removed, they repair the tissue and blood vessel. Sometimes, while the clot is being removed, a small inflating balloon is used to keep the blood vessel open. Once the clot is found and removed, the balloon is also removed. There are risks associated with DVT surgery, hence it is recommended only for severe cases of DVT.
Some home remedies that can be followed to prevent future blood clots and other complications include:
- Wearing compression stockings regularly.
- Moving more.
- Keeping your arm or leg elevated.
References:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557#
DVT can be diagnosed with a physical exam and diagnostic tests such as a venogram, ultrasound, or a D-dimer test.
Typically, deep vein thrombosis occurs in people above the age of 50, however, it can occur at any age. Certain conditions that increase the risk of clot formation are:
- Heavy smoking
- Staying seated for long periods such as on a plane or in the car
- Family history of DVT
- An injury such as a bone fracture, causing vein damage
- Catheter in a vein
- Being overweight
- Birth control pills
- Undergoing hormone therapy
The risk of blood clots developing increases with immobility. There are certain exercises that one can do to help circulate blood and keep the legs moving if they have to be seated for long periods during their day. These exercises include:
- Foot pumps
- Knee pulls
- Ankle circles
DVT can be prevented by making some lifestyle changes such as losing weight if you are overweight, keeping blood pressure under control, and quitting smoking. To keep the blood flowing, it is important to move around, especially if you have been on bed rest or have been sitting for a long time. Also, avoid wearing tight clothes that might restrict blood flow.
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