March is Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month which is important because DVT problems are an issue for one to three people out of every one-thousand individuals in the United States. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition where blood clots form in the deep veins, most often in the legs. These deep clots can break loose and travel to the lungs and even the heart, causing life threatening issues. With March being DVT awareness month means it is a great time to inform individuals of the health issues of this problem and help raise awareness for this condition. Understanding the signs of deep vein thrombosis and having the wherewithal to take proactive measures can help save many lives.
Preventative measures: Stay active
One of the best ways to help prevent DVT problems is by staying active. Being immobile, sitting in one position for long flights, sedentary work positions like sitting in an office chair all day, staying in prone positions like lying in bed all increase the risk of blood clots forming. Get up and move around. Regular motion, including walking, stretching, standing up from your desk at work to walk around for a few minutes to get the blood flowing all helps promote healthy blood flow through your body and extremities, especially your legs. People at higher risk like those with a history of blood clots should consider wearing compression stockings or socks to help with blood flow in the lower extremities along with performing leg stretching exercises.
Preventative measures: Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Obesity, smoking, dehydration, bad diets and other unhealthy activities can contribute to clot formations leading to DVT. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Hydration is very important. Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Avoid alcohol as well to help support your vascular health. If you happen to be a smoker, quit, or at least cut back as much as you can and then quit. Taking steps to get healthier will lead to healthier veins and can reduce the risks of DVT. For those suffering from medical conditions like heart disease, doctors may offer medications to help. Always speak with you physician before undergoing any medication or medical procedures.
Signs of DVT: Swelling and pain
One of the most common signs of deep vein thrombosis is swelling in the lower legs. The leg may start to appear larger than usual and feel a bit heavy. Along with the swelling, you may also have some pain or tender feelings, mainly in the calf region. This pain may get worse the longer you stand or when walking and will not go away even when taking a break. If you notice this sensation, contact your doctor to get checked out and see what is going on. It may be a DVT issue, or you may just have worn out your legs. Always contact your doctor when you feel any of these issues because it is best to understand any health issue as early as possible.
Signs of DVT: Changes in skin
Deep vein thrombosis also can change the color and texture of your skin. The skin around a clot, especially in the legs, may become red, blue, or brownish in color. Additionally, the area of the discolored skin may feel warm. Some people experience a tightness in these areas. If you happen to experience any of these situations, it is very important that you take them seriously and speak with a doctor to find the cause of your issue.
What to do if you have signs
If you happen to notice you are experiencing signs of DVT, seek medical attention. Speak with your personal physician and seek their advice. They may advise you to speak with a specialist. Do so if they advise you to. Do not delay in seeking attention. When seeking help for DVT issues prompt diagnosis and treatment can help you stay healthy and prevent any further complications resulting in better outcomes. Remember it doesn’t matter your age, or lifestyle, DVT can happen to anyone. Understanding the signs will help you stay healthy and be able to treat the issue promptly.
Understanding the causes, symptoms and how to prevent DVT more importantly is key. Whether you decide to change up your lifestyle to prevent this problem from affecting you or if you notice signs that you might have DVT problems, understanding the signs is key to stay healthy. If you happen to be one of those individuals who notices signs of DVT contact your personal physician to create a form of treatment. Always take any signs of DVT as an important health issue. Don’t let the signs linger and think you’ll just get around to it. Take care of it as soon as you can to prevent any severe complications. March is DVT awareness month, so if you have signs of DVT or may have noticed any signs with friends or loved ones, seek treatment for yourself, and encourage others to seek treatment as well.
Author:
Dr. Lawrence Presant is Chief Medical Officer at Arizona Vein Specialists in Phoenix, Arizona. Presant is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, General Surgeon by training and certified Diplomat of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine.
