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Home , Deep vein, Deep vein thrombosis, Varicose veins

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What is Risk Factors for DVT challenging because of the Thrombosis? similarities between symptoms he blood supply of the leg is Blood or vein conditions: of DVT and those of other T transported by and • Previous DVT conditions such as a pulled muscle, . The arteries carry blood from • an infection, a clot in a superficial the to the limbs; veins carry • Blood clotting disorders vein (), a fracture, blood back to the heart. The leg • Family history of DVT or and arthritis. contains superficial veins, which are blood-clotting disorders If DVT is suspected, the doctor close to the surface, and deep veins, will immediately send the patient to Other medical conditions: which lie much deeper in the leg. a vascular laboratory or a hospital • Heart disease (DVT) is a • Chronic swelling of the legs for testing, which may include a condition in which a blood clot (a • blood test, Doppler ultrasound, blockage) forms in a deep vein. • Inflammatory bowel disease venogram, MRI, or angiogram. While these clots most commonly • occur in the veins of the leg (the • Dehydration Treatment of DVT or ), they can also develop in • If tests indicate a clot is present, the other parts of the body. doctor will make a recommendation DVT can be very dangerous and is Women’s health issues: regarding treatment. Depending on considered a medical emergency. • Hormone replacement therapy the location of the clot, the patient If the clot (also known as a ) • Birth control pills containing may need hospitalization. Medical breaks loose and travels through or surgical care will be managed the bloodstream, it can lodge in the • or recent childbirth by a team of physicians which may . This blockage in the lung, called include a physician, Other: a pulmonary , can make it internist, vascular () • Age over 40 years old difficult to breathe and may even • Immobility (through inactivity surgeon, or hematologist (blood cause death. Blood clots in the thigh or from wearing a cast) disease specialist). are more likely to cause a pulmonary • Recent surgery embolism than those in the calf. • Trauma (an ) Treatment may include: • Smoking • . A blood-thinning Causes of DVT medication is usually prescribed Many factors can contribute to the to help prevent additional clots formation of a DVT.The more risk the following warning signs or from forming. factors a person has, the greater symptoms are present, it is important • . Wearing their risk of having a DVT. However, to see a doctor for evaluation: fitted hosiery decreases pain and even people without these risk • Swelling in the leg swelling. factors can form a DVT. • Pain in the calf or thigh • Surgery. A surgical procedure • Warmth and redness of the leg performed by a vascular of specialist may be required. DVT in the Leg Diagnosis Some people with DVT in the leg DVT can be difficult to diagnose, Complications of DVT have either no warning signs at all especially if the patient has An early and extremely serious or very vague symptoms. If any of no symptoms. Diagnosis is also of DVT is a . A pulmonary embolism Preventive Measures back to the heart. Walk up develops if the clot breaks loose For those who have risk factors and down the aisle of a plane and travels to the lung. Symptoms for DVT,these strategies may reduce or train, rotate ankles while of a pulmonary embolism include: the likelihood of developing a sitting, and take regular breaks • blood clot: on road trips. • • Take blood-thinning medication, – Stay hydrated by drinking • Coughing up blood if prescribed. plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol • A feeling of impending doom • Reduce risk factors that can be and caffeine. changed. For example, stop – Consider wearing compression A long-term consequence of smoking and lose excess weight. stockings. L DVT is damage to the vein from • During periods of prolonged the clot. This damage often results immobility,such as on long trips: in persistent swelling, pain and – Exercise legs every 2 to 3 discoloration of the leg. hours to get the blood flowing

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This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 6,200 foot and ankle surgeons.Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs. The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the promotion of the highest professional standards. Copyright © 2008, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com