Feeling uncomfortable because of poor vein health? Though treatments can help, lifestyle changes may improve or even reduce some of your symptoms. Find out about how to improve your vein health with these simple lifestyle changes.
Do you think you might have a DVT? Call our DVT & LEG HEALTH HOTLINE 833-687-6887
By Samuel P. Martin, MD, FACS
Did you know that DVT affects about 600,000 people a year, and is the leading cause of preventable hospital deaths in the United States, the leading cause of maternal death in the United States, and causes chronic lifelong symptoms in half of all affected individuals?
A Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot within the deep veins (those surrounded by muscle in the legs) or the veins in the pelvis. Clots can occur in the deep veins of the arms but they are rare. The clot causes obstruction to blood flow in the vein typically associated with the upper thigh or sometimes behind the knee. If a blood clot breaks free, it will move through your bloodstream and can get stuck in your lungs or your brain. It can be fatal. The clot can be completely asymptomatic (“silent”) in the affected vein, or it can cause:
Consult your physician immediately if you have any of the symptoms above.
Many things can increase your chance for developing a DVT. The development of DVT is associated with a variety of risk factors, including:
Risk can be reduced by:
Clots in the deep veins require medicinal therapy. Your provider may prescribe an anticoagulant or blood thinner such as Heparin or Coumadin. You should try to stay active, wear compression stockings and elevate your legs when sitting.
Resolve to get up, get out, keep moving and wear your compression for healthy, beautiful legs.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Feeling uncomfortable because of poor vein health? Though treatments can help, lifestyle changes may improve or even reduce some of your symptoms. Find out about how to improve your vein health with these simple lifestyle changes.
Suffering from painful swelling in your legs or extremities? Edema is a common reason for swelling throughout your body, but can have many underlying causes. Here is more information on what edema is and how it can be treated.
One of the first questions asked when it comes to any medical procedure is, “Does it hurt?” The curiosity is no different when it comes to sclerotherapy, a popular treatment for damaged veins. Read on to have this question, and more, answered.
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but there can be significant challenges and risks for the future mother. Aside from swelling, especially later in the pregnancy, there is an increased risk of blood clots (DVT) during the pregnancy and post-delivery.
Smoking cigarettes affects almost every organ in your body. You’re likely familiar with how smoking affects your lungs, but did you know your veins are at risk as well? Read on to learn about how smoking can damage your veins.
Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to hit the beach. If varicose veins are making you self-conscious about your legs or causing you pain, find out how you can banish them just in time for swimsuit season.