Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in a vein deep within the body. These clots commonly form in the legs, but may also occur in other areas such as the arms, pelvis, or abdomen.
If left untreated, a DVT may lead to pulmonary embolism, a serious condition where the clot travels to the lungs and blocks an artery. It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms of DVT. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
Vein Health Clinic can assist with deep vein thrombosis treatment. Florida residents can contact us for urgent appointments.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
Cause of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body. It usually occurs in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but can occur in other parts of the body.
The most common cause of DVT is an injury to the wall of a vein that leads to a blood clot forming.
Other causes of DVT include:
- Immobility: Being inactive for a long period can lead to an increased risk of developing a DVT. This includes sitting for long periods, such as during a long car ride, or bed rest following an injury or surgery.
- Certain medications: Certain medications, like birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antipsychotics, and certain over-the-counter medications, can increase the risk of developing a DVT.
- Smoking: Smoking can damage the lining of the veins and increase the risk of DVT.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of developing a DVT, as it can cause changes to the way the blood circulates in the body.
- Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as cancer and heart failure, can increase the risk of developing a DVT.
- Blood clotting disorders: Individuals who have a blood clotting disorder, such as thrombophilia, are at an increased risk of developing a DVT.
Symptoms of deep veins thrombosis
- Swelling and Pain: Swelling and pain in the affected area are often the first symptoms of DVT. The swelling may be accompanied by pain or a feeling of heaviness in the affected area.
- Warmth and Redness: Another symptom of DVT is warmth and redness in the affected area. This may be accompanied by a burning sensation or tenderness in the affected area. This symptom may be more pronounced in the legs than in other parts of the body.
- Discoloration of the Skin: Discoloration of the skin in the affected area is another sign of DVT. The discoloration can range from a bluish tint to a more extreme purplish-bluish color.
- A Feeling of Heaviness or Tightness: This symptom of DVT is characterized by a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the affected area. This symptom may be more pronounced when the affected area is moved or pressed.
- Rapid Breathing: Rapid breathing is another symptom of DVT. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Increased Heart Rate: An increased heart rate is another symptom of DVT. This may be accompanied by chest pain or palpitations.
Benefits of deep veins thrombosis treatment
There are numerous benefits to having DVT treatment which includes:
- Reduced Risk of Pulmonary Embolism: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to a dangerous condition known as pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in the lung’s arteries. Treatment of DVT reduces the risk of this dangerous complication.
- Improved Circulation: DVT treatment helps to improve circulation in the affected leg. This helps to reduce the symptoms of DVT, such as swelling and pain, as well as the risk of long-term complications.
- Reduced Risk of Recurrence: Treatment of DVT helps to reduce the risk of the condition recurring. This is especially important for those who have had recurrent episodes of DVT.
- Improved Quality of Life: Treatment of DVT can help to improve quality of life as it allows people to return to normal activities and enjoy a better overall sense of well-being.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Treatment of DVT helps to reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic syndrome, which can cause long-term pain and swelling in the affected leg.
DVT Risk Factors
Risk factors of deep vein thrombosis include:
- Prolonged bed rest or immobilization: Prolonged bed rest or immobilization can lead to decreased circulation in the legs, which can result in deep vein thrombosis.
- Prolonged sitting, such as during air travel: Sitting in one position for a long period of time can cause the blood to pool in the legs, leading to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Advanced age: As people age, their circulation tends to become less effective, increasing their risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
- Recent surgery, especially hip or knee replacement: Surgery increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis due to decreased circulation and the risk of injury to veins.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to increased pressure on the veins.
- Cancer: Cancer and its treatment can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to an increased risk of injury to veins, decreased circulation, and an increased risk of developing blood clots.
- Pregnancy or recent childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis due to increased pressure on the veins and decreased circulation.
- Use of birth control pills or hormone therapy: Birth control pills and hormone therapy can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis due to their effect on blood clotting.
- A family history of blood clots: Having a family history of blood clots increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to an increased risk of developing blood clots.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to its effect on blood clotting.
- Heart failure: Heart failure can decrease circulation, leading to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to its effect on circulation and the risk of injury to veins.
- Having a central venous catheter: Having a central venous catheter increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to the risk of injury to veins.
- Certain genetic factors: Certain genetic factors can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to their effect on blood clotting.
Deep veins thrombosis treatment
- Blood thinners such as anticoagulants (blood thinning medicine): These medications help prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Examples include heparin and warfarin.
- Clot busters: These medications are given through an IV to dissolve clots quickly. They are usually used only for life-threatening or severe cases of DVT.
- Compression stockings: These special stockings put pressure on your legs to help prevent blood clots from forming.
- Physical therapy: Exercises may be recommended to help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Vascular surgery for DVT: Surgery may be necessary to remove a clot or repair a damaged vein.
- Lifestyle changes: Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of DVT, such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The cost of deep vein thrombosis treatment will depend on the individual patient and their specific needs.
During an initial consultation, which may include scans or blood tests, a doctor will be able to provide a detailed quote for the treatment, taking into account all of the individual’s needs.
The cost will also depend on the individual’s insurance coverage if they have any.
Our Expert Doctor
Dr. Obinna Nwobi
Dr Nwobi earned his Master’s degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Maryland, focusing on Health Care Management and International Health. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.
Following this, Dr. Nwobi completed his internship and residency in General Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Subsequently, he completed a fellowship in Vascular Surgery at the Vascular Group PLLC and Albany Medical Center in New York. Ultimately, Dr. Nwobi chose to practice medicine in an underserved area of Florida.
How to Schedule a Consultation
For more information on our vein care services and the cost of each service, or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us at one of the following:
- Call us on 877-817-8346
- Book online
Working Hours
- Monday to Saturday: 8 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: Closed
If you require more information on deep vein thrombosis, please read our most frequently asked questions:
Yes, if you think you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), you should go to the emergency room immediately. DVT is a serious medical condition and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Yes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is caused by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the body, usually in the legs.
No, it is not safe to treat a blood clot without consulting a doctor and receiving professional medical care. If you suspect that you have a blood clot, you should seek medical attention immediately.
In some cases, yes. If the DVT is severe, or if the patient has other medical conditions, they may require hospitalization. If the DVT is mild, however, treatment can often be done on an outpatient basis.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is treated with anticoagulant medications, which are also called blood thinners. These medications help to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger and help to reduce the risk of a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Compression stockings and leg elevation can also help to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, a filter may be placed in a major vein (inferior vena cava) to prevent a clot from entering the lungs. Surgery may be necessary to remove a clot or to repair a vein if it is damaged.
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