Deep Vein Thrombosis

When you sit for long time, on an aeroplane for example, you may have an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis.  This also applies if you have been forced to stay in bed for a longer period, at the hospital or at home.
Post-operative nerve injuries may cause Deep Vein Thrombosis as well.
Other causes include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, cancer and heart failure.

If one of your legs is affected by DVT, you may feel or notice some of the following symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness in your leg.
• Swelling.
• Increased warmth over the affected area.
• Changes in skin colour.

Your doctor will check your legs for these symptoms, and will also verify your medical history, and potential test results from a D-dimer blood test, an ultrasound of the legs or CT/ MRI scan.

DVT can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on your doctor’s diagnosis and your particular condition.

Blood thinners may be used to reduce your blood’s ability to clot. This type of medication prevents any clots from getting bigger. In more serious and life threatening situations, clot busters (thrombolytic agents) can be used to help break the clots.

Compression stockings can be prescribed or recommended, to help prevent blood clots from developing in the deep veins of the legs. The stockings create pressure and improve the blood flow in the legs.

Surgery can be needed as the last treatment option, when these conservative treatment options have failed to reduce the symptoms. It is the preferred treatment to remove large blood clots.