Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a blood clot which forms in a deep vein, most often in the lower leg or thigh.

Not only can these clots interfere with blood flow, but they may also break loose and travel through the bloodstream to vital organs. When that happens the lungs, brain, heart or other areas are at risk of life threatening damage.  However, many instances of DVT will disappear on their own.

This condition is most often associated with inactivity for long periods of time such as long road trips, air travel, sitting at a desk without breaks, or being bed-ridden.

As clots form there are not always symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. However, when DVT symptoms occur they may include:

• Pain in your legs, often in the calf and described as a charley-horse feeling.  You may also experience pain in your feet and/or ankles.
  
  
• Swelling in the leg with the clot.  The swelling may also be in your ankles and feet.
  
  
• Warmth and redness in the area of the clot.
  
  
• Pain and/or swelling in either your chest, neck and or arms, if the clot has traveled.

Your physician should be consulted to determine the cause of these symptoms and recommend treatment for deep vein thrombosis, if appropriate.

DVT Prevention

Although the exact cause of deep vein thrombosis is not known, there are preventative measures that can be taken. If you are often in situations whereby your mobility is limited, it is best to talk with your physician and ask for their recommendations.

Your physician may suggest that you:

• Interrupt sedentary activities frequently with walks and stretches.
  
  
• Do office cbair exercise or airplane exercises.
  
  
• Stop every hour or two, for a short walk and a stretch, during long road trips.
  
  
• Avoid crossing legs at the ankles or the knees.
  
  
• Regularly change your position, stretching and exercising your legs and feet.
  
  
• Wear loose fitting leg wear so as not to reduce circulation. Compression stockings may be advised, particularly for air travelers.

DVT Risk Factors

Prolonged immobility is the risk factor associated with DVT. However, certain medical conditions and medications which alter blood flow may increase the risk of blood clotting.

Some of these are:

• hereditary blood clotting disorders
• obesity
• increase in age
• pregnancy
• history of DVT
• cancer
• recent major surgery or trauma
• major illness or hospitalization
• oral contraceptives or hormone therapy

Recognizing your risk factors and taking preventative measures such as increasing the amount of time you spend walking can substantially lower your chances of having this condition.