Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition in which blood clots develop in the legs. Blood clots in legs can often be very serious, as they can travel through the bloodstream and reach the lungs. This can cause severe health problems, and in some cases can even be fatal.
If you believe you have a blood clot in your leg, you should seek medical attention immediately. Knowing the signs of a blood clot in the leg can make a huge difference. Similarly, knowing the risk factors associated with Deep Vein Thrombosis can be important. Here are some crucial things to know about how to check for a blood clot in your leg.
It’s important to know how to check for a blood clot in your leg. DVT is not always easy to spot, but some symptoms are common and consistent. One of the most common signs of a blood clot in the leg is swelling around the area of the blood clot. The area just below the knee is a common location for blood clots in the legs, but they can occur anywhere. Other blood clot symptoms to look out for include red or discolored skin, a feeling of warmth, tenderness, or a worsening cramp in the leg.
However, DVT symptoms do not always present themselves and are not always obvious. This is why it also helps to know the risk factors associated with DVT and blood clots in the legs.
There are several different risk factors associated with blood clots in the legs. A fairly common risk factor is prolonged periods of sitting. In particular, sitting for a long time during travel (such as a flight) is associated with blood clot risks. Trips exceeding four hours in length are particularly troublesome when it comes to developing DVT. If you can, try to get up to move around while in transit. If you are concerned about a blood clot from travel, monitor yourself for symptoms after reaching your destination.
Other risks associated with blood clots are more closely linked to health and genetics. Some key risk factors include:
Lastly, pregnant women are generally considered to be at greater risk of developing blood clots in their legs. If you are pregnant, you should monitor yourself for symptoms and try to avoid staying seated for long stretches.
If you notice signs of a blood clot in your leg, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Blood clots are serious but treatable. The sooner you seek treatment for a blood clot, the better.
There are a few treatment options for DVT and blood clots in the legs. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed as a means to treat DVT. Other forms of treatment are available to manage symptoms and treat DVT. In addition to blood thinners, compression stockings are commonly prescribed to help regulate blood flow. If necessary, medical procedures are available to treat DVT. Endovenous ablation treatment, for example, is commonly used to treat a variety of vein disorders including DVT and varicose veins.
If you believe you may be at risk of DVT and would like to discuss treatment options, schedule a consultation with South Valley Vascular today. With four convenient locations, South Valley Vascular is one of California’s most trusted resources for vascular health and treatment.
