What are the symptoms of calf vein thrombosis. What causes deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? How is DVT diagnosed and treated?

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins, typically in the leg. The term “thrombosis” refers to the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel. When this occurs, the clot can block the flow of blood and oxygen to parts of the body, leading to potentially serious health consequences.

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Blood flow through the leg veins generally requires the assistance of the calf muscles. When the calf muscles contract, they compress the veins and force the blood upwards towards the heart, against the force of gravity. Valves within the veins also help maintain the proper direction of blood flow. Anything that slows the flow of blood through the deep veins in the legs can lead to the development of DVT. This includes factors such as injury, surgery, or prolonged periods of sitting or lying down. In some cases, a blood clot can travel from the leg and become lodged in a blood vessel in the lungs, a condition known as a pulmonary embolus. If the clot is large enough, it can completely block the blood vessel, which in some cases can be fatal.

Blood Clotting and DVT

Blood contains platelets and compounds called clotting factors. Platelets are sticky and help the blood to coagulate, which is a normal part of the wound healing process. When a wound occurs, platelets collect at the site of the injury and, along with clotting factors, produce a web or mesh that traps more platelets and creates a plug to seal off the wound. While the ability of the blood to clot is essential for survival, when it stops blood from flowing properly, it can cause problems.

Risk Factors for DVT

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing DVT, including:

• Coronary heart disease
• Age over 40
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Previous history of DVT or family history of blood clots or stroke at a young age
• Use of contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Cancer or heart failure
• Varicose veins
• Blood clotting disorders

There are also some temporary situations that can increase the risk of DVT, such as major surgery, injury, prolonged periods of immobility, long-distance travel, pregnancy, and dehydration.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The symptoms of DVT usually affect one leg (rarely both) and can include:

• Throbbing, pain, cramping, and tenderness, usually in the calf or thigh
• Pain on extending the foot
• Swelling of the lower leg, ankle, and foot
• Skin that is warm to the touch
• Changes in skin color of the leg (red, pale, or blue)

These symptoms can also occur in the arm or abdomen if the blood clot is located in those areas.

Diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

If a healthcare provider suspects DVT, the patient will be referred for an ultrasound as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours. The ultrasound will show whether blood is flowing normally through the veins or if there is a blockage. Additionally, the healthcare provider may order an X-ray of the vein (venogram), where dye is injected into the foot and X-rays of the leg veins are taken to check for a blockage. Blood tests, such as a D-dimer test, may also be performed. The D-dimer test can help rule out DVT if the results are negative, as blood clots produce a protein called D-dimer.

Treatment for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

The main treatment for DVT is an anticoagulant medication, which the patient will typically need to take for at least six weeks. In some cases, other treatments may be used to break up and remove the clot through a small tube in the vein, but this is not suitable for everyone. It is also important to manage any underlying risk factors to prevent further episodes of DVT.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) During Long-Distance Travel

Long-distance travel by air, road, or rail for more than four hours is associated with an increased risk of DVT in susceptible individuals. To help reduce the risk of DVT while traveling long distances, it is recommended to:

• Wear loose clothing
• Drink plenty of water
• Sit with legs uncrossed
• Move about whenever possible, before, during, and after the journey
• Do some simple leg and foot stretches every couple of hours to keep the calf muscles active
• Avoid tobacco smoking and alcohol

If you have any risk factors for DVT, it is important to speak with your doctor before traveling. Some people may benefit from wearing compression stockings, so it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if this is a suitable option for you. Additionally, if you are taking anticoagulant medications to prevent blood clots, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations when traveling.

Deep vein thrombosis – Better Health Channel

About deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is where a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg (veins below the skin’s surface that are not visible through the skin).

The term ‘thrombosis’ refers to the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel. When this happens, the clot can block the flow of blood and oxygen to parts of the body, which can cause potentially serious health effects.

Blood flow through the leg veins generally requires help from calf muscles. When the calf muscles contract, they compress the veins and force the blood upwards to the heart (against gravity). Valves in the veins also help this process, ensuring the blood flows in one direction.

Anything that slows the flow of blood through the deep veins in the legs can cause DVT. This includes an injury, surgery or long periods of sitting or lying.
Sometimes a blood clot can travel from the leg and lodge in a blood vessel in the lungs. When this happens, it is called a pulmonary embolus. If the clot is large enough, it can completely block the blood vessel and in some cases can cause death.

Blood clotting and DVT

Blood contains platelets and compounds called clotting factors. Platelets are sticky and help the blood to thicken (coagulate), which is a normal part of wound healing.

When you get a cut or scratch, platelets collect at the site of the injury. Together with clotting factors, the platelets produce a web or mesh, which traps more platelets and creates a plug to seal off the wound.

The ability of the blood to clot is essential for survival, but when it stops blood from flowing properly, it can cause problems.

Risk factors for DVT

DVT is more likely to happen if you:

• have coronary heart disease
• are over 40
• have obesity
• smoke tobacco
• have had DVT before or have a family history of blood clots or stroke at a young age
• take the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy
• have cancer or heart failure
• have varicose veins
• have a blood clotting disorder.

There are also some temporary situations that can increase the risk of DVT. These include if you:

• have had major surgery
• have had an injury (fractures, spinal cord injuries, muscle injuries)
• are confined to bed or have limited movement
• go on a long journey (more than four hours) by plane, car or train
• are pregnant or if you’ve had a baby in the previous six weeks
• are dehydrated
• have an infection.

Sometimes DVT can happen for no obvious reason.

Long distance travel and DVT

Long distance travel by air, road or rail for longer than four hours is associated with an increased risk of DVT in susceptible people. To help reduce the risk of DVT while travelling long distances:

• wear loose clothes
• drink plenty of water
• sit with your legs uncrossed
• move about whenever possible before, during, and after travelling
• do some simple leg and foot stretches every couple of hours to keep your calf muscles active when you’re sitting
• avoid tobacco smoking and alcohol.

If you have any risk factors for DVT, speak with your doctor before travelling. Some people may benefit from wearing compression stockings, so speak to your doctor to understand if this is suitable for you.

If you are on medicines to prevent blood clots, such as anticoagulants, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations when traveling.

Symptoms of DVT

The symptoms of DVT usually affect one leg (rarely both) and can include:

• throbbing, pain, cramping and tenderness (usually in the calf or thigh)
• pain on extending the foot
• swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot
• skin that is warm to touch
• changes in skin colour of the leg (red, pale or blue).

These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that’s where the blood clot is.

Diagnosis of DVT

It’s important to get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.

If a doctor thinks you have DVT, you will be referred for an ultrasound as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours). An ultrasound shows if blood is flowing normally through the veins, or if there is a blockage.

You may also have an X-ray of the vein (venogram). Dye is injected into the foot and X-rays of the leg veins are taken to see if there is a blockage.

Your doctor may also arrange blood tests, like a D-dimer blood test. Blood clots produce a protein called D-dimer. If the D-dimer test is negative, this can help rule out DVT.

Treatment for DVT

You may have an injection of an anticoagulant medicine while you’re waiting for an ultrasound scan to tell if you have DVT.

After DVT is diagnosed, the main treatment is an anticoagulant medicine (in tablet form), which you will probably need to take for at least six weeks.

Other treatments involve breaking up and sucking out the clot through a small tube in the vein, but this is not suitable for everyone.

It is important to manage risk factors to prevent further blood clots after DVT. Talk to your doctor about your reducing your risk. Stopping smoking and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent DVT.

For some people, your doctor may talk to you about a test for antiphospholipid syndrome, a blood disorder that puts a person at greater risk of developing blood clots.

Complications of DVT

If DVT isn’t treated, it can cause complications, including inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), leg ulcers and pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism is the most serious complication of DVT. It happens when the clot leaves the leg vein and travels through the blood vessel system to the lungs. When the clot lodges in the lungs, it can block the main artery to the lungs or one of its major branches. When this happens, the lung tissue is starved of blood and oxygen.

It’s estimated that around one third of people who experience a major pulmonary embolism will die. Life-saving treatment for pulmonary embolism includes medicines to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.

Prevention of DVT

In hospital, compression stockings can decrease the risk of DVT.

The use of anticoagulant medicines to prevent clots forming in the first place are recommended in people considered to be at moderate to high risk of DVT.
If taking anticoagulant medicines, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medicine (including over-the-counter medicines). Other medicines can interact with anticoagulant medicines.

Other ways to reduce the risk of DVT include stopping smoking, being physically active, following a heart-healthy eating pattern and maintaining a healthy weight.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000)
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital
• Your GP (doctor)
• NURSE-ON-CALLExternal Link Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Thrombosis Australia (TA)External Link is an initiative of the Perth Blood Institute (PBI), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with blood disorders.

Deep Vein Thrombosis – Signs of Pulmonary Embolism

What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot. These clots usually occur deep down in your leg veins. DVT is common and can be dangerous. If the blood clot breaks off and travels through your bloodstream, it can block a blood vessel in your lungs. This blockage (called a pulmonary embolism) can be fatal.

Symptoms of DVT

Some people who have DVT do not have any symptoms. Most have some swelling in one or both legs. Often, there is pain or tenderness in one leg (may happen only when you stand or walk). Your skin may feel warm or look red or discolored. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

What causes DVT?

Often, there are multiple factors that cause DVT. Your risk for DVT increases if you have several risk factors at the same time. You are at higher risk for DVT if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older.
• Are inactive for a long period of time, such as when you are flying in an airplane, taking a long car trip, or recovering in bed after surgery.
• Have a condition that causes increased blood clotting.
• Have an injury or surgery that reduces blood flow to a body part.
• Have a central venous catheter.
• Are pregnant or have recently given birth.
• Are overweight or obese.
• Have varicose veins or vasculitis.
• Have cancer.
• Are a smoker.
• Take birth control pills or receive hormone therapy, including for postmenopausal symptoms.

How is DVT diagnosed?

Visit your doctor if you think you might have DVT. They will review your symptoms and health history and do a physical exam. They may order tests to help diagnose it. An ultrasound is the most common test. It uses sound waves to check the blood flow in your veins. A venography also can be done to find blood clots. A doctor injects dye into your veins and then takes an X-ray to check your blood flow.

Can DVT be prevented or avoided?

There are several things you can do to help prevent DVT. These are more important if you are at increased risk.

• Get frequent exercise. If you are inactive for a long period of time, move your legs around. Get up every hour or so and walk around, if you can. If you must stay seated, do lower leg exercises. With your feet flat on the ground, alternate lifting your heels and toes. This stretches your calves and keeps up your blood flow.
• Stretch your legs and lightly massage your muscles.
• Get out of bed and move around as soon as you can after being ill or having surgery.
• Control your blood pressure.
• Do not smoke.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.

DVT treatment

The main goals of DVT treatment are to:

• Stop the clot from getting bigger.
• Prevent the clot from breaking off and traveling to your lungs.
• Prevent future blood clots.

Several medicines are used to treat and prevent DVT. Common ones include warfarin or heparin. These thin your blood so that clots won’t form. Warfarin is taken as a pill and heparin is given intravenously (in your veins). Warfarin can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant should not take warfarin. If you can’t take heparin, your doctor may prescribe another type called a thrombin inhibitor. Newer treatment programs recommend NOACs (novel oral anticoagulants) as preferable medicines in most settings. Brand names include Eliquis, Pradaxa, and Xarelto.

Anticoagulants can cause you to bleed more easily. For example, you might notice that your blood takes longer to clot when you cut yourself. You may bruise more easily as well. If you have any unusual or heavy bleeding, call your doctor right away.

Some other medicines can affect how well an anticoagulant works. Talk to your doctor before you take any new medicine. This includes over-the-counter medicines and vitamins. Certain foods rich in vitamin K, such as dark green vegetables, also can have an effect.

There are other treatment options if you can’t take medicine to thin your blood, or if a blood thinner doesn’t work. Your doctor may suggest putting a filter in your vena cava. This is the main vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart. This filter can catch a clot as it moves through your bloodstream and prevent it from reaching your lungs. This treatment is more common for people who have had several blood clots travel to their lungs.

Living with DVT

It is important to start treatment right away for DVT. It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor about using compression stockings. These cover the arch of your foot up to your knee. They create pressure on your leg to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

For some people, the clot may never fully dissolve. This can cause scar tissue in your veins. DVT also can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome. People who get this have chronic (long-term) swelling and pain.

If you have DVT and experience the following symptoms, get help right away. These are signs that the clot may have traveled to your lungs. You could be having a pulmonary embolism.

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• dizziness
• fainting
• rapid heart rate
• coughing blood

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is the likely cause of my DVT?
• What is the best treatment for me?
• How long do I need to take anticoagulants? What are the side effects or risks?
• Can I drink alcohol or exercise while using anticoagulants?
• Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to reduce my risk of blood clots?
• If I have DVT once, what is my risk of having future blood clots?
• Is it safe for me to travel?
• Does DVT increase my risk for other health problems?

Resources

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Deep Vein Thrombosis

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Deep vein thrombosis: symptoms and treatment

Modern people often face diseases of the superficial leg veins, in particular varicose veins and its complications. But deep veins are often also at risk. Unfortunately, we know much less about the features of deep vein disease and their treatment than about the same varicose veins. What to pay attention to, how thrombosis differs from thrombophlebitis and what to do when symptoms of diseases appear – we will try to figure it out.

How the venous system of the legs works

Relatively speaking, the veins on the legs form two levels – superficial and deep. Superficial veins provide only about 10% of venous blood flow, but they perform a very important function. In addition to collecting blood and moving it to the heart, these veins can play the role of a kind of reservoir, which, if necessary, can receive blood from deep veins. Thus, the load on the veins is regulated by internal mechanisms.

Veins from the deep and superficial layers are interconnected by the so-called perforating veins. Due to this, balance is maintained in the venous system.

Superficial veins are at risk of excessive stretching: if a person does not move much, does not eat well, suffers from excess weight and simply has a hereditary predisposition, then the blood flow slows down and the vein wall stretches. Special valves that block the reverse flow of blood do not close tightly, and we are talking about varicose veins. Deep veins are located in the thickness of tissues and ensure the movement of the main volume of blood to the heart. The surrounding muscles maintain the tone of these vessels and facilitate blood flow, so deep veins are not susceptible to varicose veins.

Thrombophlebitis is a dangerous complication of varicose veins

Slow movement of blood through the superficial veins, as well as damage to the vascular walls (and stretching often leads to them) – these are two factors that play an important role in the formation of thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities. Symptoms of this disease are pain in the leg, redness, thickening along the vein. All this is a consequence of the formation of a thrombus, a blood clot in the lumen of a vessel. Often, a blood clot can completely close the vein. The separation of a blood clot is also dangerous, since in this case it can clog another vessel, for example, the pulmonary artery.

Thrombophlebitis is a disease of the superficial veins, which is most often a complication of varicose veins. If the disease occurs on its own, without prior expansion of the veins, the cause of this is usually disorders in the blood coagulation system. Symptoms of thrombophlebitis without varicose veins always attract the attention of doctors, and this situation requires additional examinations.

Let us emphasize once again that everything described refers to superficial veins. If we are talking about deep vein thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, symptoms and treatment… Can we talk about this disease?

Thrombophlebitis or thrombosis?

If blood clots form in the deep veins of the lower extremities, then we are not talking about thrombophlebitis, but about thrombosis. What is the difference between these two diseases?

Thrombophlebitis is a disease that occurs mainly as a result of injury to the vein wall. It is accompanied by inflammation, which, together with a slowdown in blood flow, causes the formation of blood clots. Thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities is a disease caused by a malfunction of the blood coagulation system. It is not associated with varicose veins, nor is it preceded by damage to the veins, although the presence of trauma increases the risk of thrombosis. And it poses no less danger to the body than thrombophlebitis, since there is a possibility of blocking the blood flow or detaching a blood clot.

Factors contributing to the development of thrombosis include:

• advanced age
• weight gain, decreased physical activity
• taking oral contraceptives
• pregnancy (during this period, a woman’s blood clotting properties may change)
• smoking
• surgical operations

Thrombosis of the lower extremities – symptoms

An additional danger of thrombosis is that the disease may not manifest itself for a sufficiently long time. Symptoms appear when the thrombus reaches a large size and spreads up the vessel. Then the patient complains of pain, which decreases at rest and increases with physical activity. Then, due to the deterioration of the outflow of blood, edema joins the pain. The skin on the leg turns pale (to cyanosis) and “stretches”, acquiring a glossy sheen.

To diagnose the localization of a thrombus, ultrasound of the veins is performed, and in especially difficult cases, angiography, X-ray examination with the introduction of a contrast agent into the vessels.

What to do?

The appearance of symptoms of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities suggests that the patient should immediately consult a doctor and begin treatment. The specialist will assess the location and nature of the thrombus and help prevent its separation or complete blockage of the vessel.

Common treatments include blood thinners (heparin) and compression stockings to help maintain proper venous blood flow. For several days, the patient may be recommended bed rest, while the position of the legs should be slightly elevated.

Surgical treatment is also possible, during which blood clots are removed, and a special filter is installed in the vena cava to catch all moving blood clots.

Diseases of the veins associated with the formation of blood clots do not just make you feel worse and cause discomfort. They pose a real threat to life, so when the first symptoms of thrombophlebitis or thrombosis appear, you should consult a doctor. Only he will conduct an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment that will help avoid negative consequences. Self-administration of drugs may not improve the situation, but aggravate it. The only thing that is recommended for the patient to do on their own before visiting the doctor is to bandage the leg with an elastic bandage or put on compression stockings.

symptoms, treatment, prevention at home

People suffering from varicose veins in the legs (varicose veins) face one extremely unpleasant complication – deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Although blood clots can form anywhere, they are much more common in the lower extremities. In this case, they speak of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities – this is a serious condition that occurs when a blood clot forms inside a vein located deep in the body, blocking the blood flow. A thrombus is a blood clot that has turned into a hard, poorly soluble plug that clogs a vein.

Blood clots inside deep veins usually form in the thigh or lower leg, but they can develop in other areas of your body (including your arms, chest, brain, and heart). Other terms associated with this condition may include terms such as thromboembolism (usually due to damage to the pulmonary artery), post-thrombotic syndrome, and post-phlebotic syndrome.

Symptoms of lower limb vein thrombosis

Symptoms of lower limb vein thrombosis occur in about half of people with this condition. In the rest, blood clots, although they form, do not make themselves felt. Common symptoms and complaints in those who have experienced blood clots in their veins include:

• swelling in the leg, mainly in the ankle or lower leg area – usually it occurs only on one side;
• spasmodic or persistent pain inside the affected limb, which usually starts in the lower leg and extends to the foot;
• severe, unexplained pain in leg and ankle;
• there is an altered area of ​​the skin that feels warmer than the skin in the surrounding areas;
• the skin over the affected area becomes pale, cyanotic or, conversely, reddish or burgundy.

People may not feel any symptoms or even know they have a deep vein clot until they need emergency treatment for a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs).

Pulmonary embolism can form when a blood clot that forms in the veins in the legs has traveled from the leg to the vessels in the lung. This condition is life-threatening and requires emergency care.

Treatment of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities

Before starting the treatment of thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, it is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis and localization of blood clots. To do this, you need to perform a number of studies and analyzes.

Photo: Globallookpress

Diagnosis

A phlebologist or vascular surgeon will evaluate your medical history to identify possible risk factors for thrombosis and then perform a thorough physical examination. This is not enough to make a diagnosis, so the specialist will prescribe one or more diagnostic tests to identify or rule out thrombosis inside the veins in the leg. These tests include:

• Ultrasound scanning. This is the most commonly used test to diagnose DVT. An ultrasound will show how blood flows through the veins and arteries, where there is an obstacle. If a blood clot has formed, the doctor will be able to see the interruption in blood flow, helping to make a diagnosis.
• Phlebogram. If the ultrasound does not give accurate results, the doctor may prescribe a phlebogram for you. During this test, a dye is injected into a vein. Then an x-ray is taken of the area where the doctor suspects the presence of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. The dye makes the vein more visible, so interrupted blood flow will be easy to identify.
• D-dimer test. The D-dimer blood test measures the presence of a substance that is released when a blood clot breaks down. If the levels are high and you have risk factors for DVT, you probably have blood clots in your blood vessels. If the levels are normal and the risk factors are low, there is most likely no blood clots.

Other tests may also be used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis in the lower extremities. Sometimes doctors prescribe a number of biochemical tests and CT, MRI to detect thrombosis.

Modern treatments

DVT is a very serious condition. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of DVT or go to the nearest emergency room. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and determine if there is a problem.

Treatment of lower extremity vein thrombosis is aimed at preventing the growth of a blood clot. In addition, it can help prevent pulmonary embolism, significantly reducing the risk of even more blood clots. Possible medical and surgical treatment of the disease.

• Medicines. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners ¹ . They make it harder for blood to clot, reduce the size of existing clots, and make it less likely that new clots will form. If blood thinners do not help, or if DVT is severe, your doctor may use thrombolytic drugs. They lead to the destruction (dissolution) of clots. The drugs are administered intravenously.
• Compression stockings. If you have a high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities, wearing compression stockings eliminates pathological swelling of the legs, reducing the risk of blood clots.
• Cava filters. You may need to insert a filter into a large abdominal vein called the vena cava if you cannot take blood thinners ² . This form of treatment helps prevent pulmonary embolism by preventing clots from traveling to the lungs. But setting filters is also a risk. If left for too long, they can cause DVT. Filters should be used for a short period until the risk of thromboembolism has decreased and blood thinners can be used.
• Surgery for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove a blood clot in your leg. This is usually only recommended for very large blood clots or clots that cause serious problems such as tissue damage. During a surgical thrombectomy, or surgery to remove a blood clot, a surgeon will make an incision in a blood vessel. He will find and remove the clot, then restore the blood vessel and tissue. In some cases, doctors may use a small balloon to keep the blood vessel open while they remove the clot. When the thrombus is found and removed, the ball is removed along with it.

Surgery is not without risk, so many physicians will only use this method in severe cases. Risks include tissue infection, blood vessel damage, and excessive bleeding.

Home Prevention of Leg Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis Exercises

The longer you sit still, the more likely you are to develop blood clots in your veins. If you have to sit for long periods of time, there are exercises you can do while sitting to keep your legs moving and blood circulation going.

• Exercise #1. Bend your leg and lift your knee towards your chest. Grab your knee with your hands for more stretch. Hold this position for a few seconds, then do the same exercise on the other side. Repeat these steps several times.
• Exercise #2. Place your feet on the floor. Keeping your feet on the floor, lift your heels. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels. Raise your toes off the floor, keeping your heels in place. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your foot to the floor. Repeat these steps several times.
• Exercise #3. Raise both feet off the floor. Draw circles with your toes in one direction for a few seconds. Change direction and draw circles for a few seconds. Repeat this exercise several times.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Diet

Diet should include lean meats, seafood, vegetables (cabbage, herbs, tomatoes, and cucumbers), whole grain bread (wheat or rye), low-fat dairy products, cereals, fruits, and berries, including compotes and fruit drinks.

Diet for deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities provides some restrictions. In particular, fatty meat, canned and smoked food, mayonnaise, and sausages will have to be removed from the menu. You will also have to reduce flour, especially products made from rich and puff pastry, as well as pasta, semolina, rice. It is better to give up carbonated drinks, alcohol, strong coffee and tea.

Folk remedies for thrombosis

Once a doctor has diagnosed a thrombosis in the veins of the lower extremities, he will most likely prescribe a medicine that will help thin the blood or break up the clot. You can combine prescribed medications with the following home remedies to help prevent other complications and lower your risk of future blood clots.

• Walk daily to improve blood flow. Short, frequent walks are better than one long walk.
• Keep your legs elevated. Blood can pool in your veins if your feet are on the ground all day. Use a chair or footrests to keep your legs elevated periodically.
• Wear compression stockings. These specially designed stockings fit snugly around your legs and create a certain amount of pressure on the fabrics. Compression helps prevent slowing of blood flow and swelling, increases microcirculation. Compression stockings can be useful when you travel by plane or car.

Popular Questions and Answers

We asked surgeon Tigran Bokhyan to answer popular questions from patients.

What causes vein thrombosis in the legs?

Increased blood clotting, damage to the vascular wall and slowing of blood flow (Virchow’s triad) lead to the development of thrombosis. Any of these factors provokes the development of thrombosis. There are no other reasons for the development of this disease.

As a rule, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is caused by varicose veins, thrombophlebitis – inflammation in a vein, which can cause bruising or venous congestion. The result can be inflammation and blockage of a certain part of the vein.

Phlebothrombosis occurs without an inflammatory element due to factors such as genetic predisposition to thrombosis, hormone therapy, postoperative period.

Prevention of thromboembolism during surgery, control of blood hemostasis, taking specific antithrombotic drugs, antiplatelet agents help in preventing the development of phlebothrombosis.

Who is more likely to suffer from leg vein thrombosis?

There is an international scale that evaluates patients at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis – these are patients over 65 years of age, patients with grade 2 and 3 obesity, patients with diabetes mellitus, as well as those suffering from malignant diseases or undergoing traumatological operations.

Why is deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities dangerous?

The most threatening complication is pulmonary embolism. This is a fairly common cardiovascular pathology, in which the pulmonary artery or its branches are blocked by blood clots, which usually form in the large veins of the lower extremities or pelvis.

Also, due to venous stasis, the nutrition of the skin over the veins may be disturbed, which leads to the development of trophic changes. First, varicose dermatitis appears, then eczema and ulcers may occur.

Are thrombosis possible during pregnancy?

Yes possible if the woman in labor has a predisposition to this disease or has congenital thrombophilia.

Is it possible to fly with vein thrombosis in the legs?

Air travel is contraindicated in case of acute thrombosis. After the residual effects subside, the patient who has undergone treatment can fly.

Will diet help reduce the risk of blood clots?

There are no diets that can reduce the risk of developing thrombosis, since the cause of this disease is the so-called Virchow triad: increased blood clotting, damage to the vascular wall and slowing blood flow, and not a person’s food preferences.

Sources:

1. Lebedev A.K., Kuznetsova O.Yu. Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities // Russian family doctor. 2015. №3. https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tromboz-glubokih-ven-nizhnih-konechnostey
2. Shevchenko Yu. L., Stoyko Yum, Zamyatin M. N., Batrashov V. A., Gudymovich V. G., Lemaeva I. V., Vorobyov A. V. Diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis // Almanac of Clinical Medicine .