Growing older can sometimes feel like our body is conspiring against us. We often find ourselves desiring the agility of our youth. Although growing older means that we gain wisdom throughout our life, we also have to remember that wisdom starts with knowing when our body is overworked. Deep vein thrombosis, otherwise known as DVT is a big issue for patients that are post optic, those who are immobile, those undergoing surgery, and those who struggle with certain chronic illnesses. DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism which can be life-threatening to those who experience it.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis
With age comes maturity. Our bodies tend to take longer to bounce back as we grow into old age. Unfortunately, we are prone to high-risk diseases as our bodies start to age. Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in one of your deep veins, usually in the leg. It can cause aches, redness, swelling, and making tasks like walking difficult. If you have spent a long period of time on bed rest after major surgery or flight it is likely you may develop DVT. Those who are at risk of heart failure are at an increased risk of developing blood clots.
Signs of Deep Vein Thrombosis
If you have been confined to bed rest because of major surgery or pregnancy you are likely to experience signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. Common signs of DVT include:
- Throbbing or cramping pain in the leg, usually in the calf or thigh.
- Swelling in leg.
- Warm skin around the painful area.
- Red or darkened skin around the painful area.
- Swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them.
How To Treat Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a very serious condition, and it is important to speak with your doctor if you experience difficulty. When you visit one of our specialists at Beyond Podiatry, they may recommend you have an injection of an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine called heparin. If you visit one of our Michigan locations, our providers may provide you with a Venous ultrasound scan to tell if you have a DVT. After DVT is diagnosed, the main treatment is tablets of an anticoagulant medicine, such as warfarin and rivaroxaban. You will probably take the tablets for at least three months.
