Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Phone: (256) 509-4398 ♦ Fax: (800) 317-4728 [email protected] ♦ www.therapy-a.com
What is a deep vein thrombosis? • DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein in the body (usually in the legs). • Can be very serious because blood clots in the leg can break loose, travel through your blood- stream and block blood flow to your lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Symptoms of DVT • Swelling in the affected limb (rarely swelling in both limbs) • Pain (often initially feels like cramping or sore- ness) • Red or discolored skin • Feeling of warmth in the affected limb • Can occur without noticeable symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of a Pulmonary Embolism In- clude: • Sudden shortness of breath • Chest pain or discomfort that worsens with deep breath or when you cough • Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or fainting • Rapid Pulse Coughing up blood Treatment Cause • Support Stockings Anything that prevents your blood from • Reciprocal compression devices circulating or clotting normally, such as an • Medications injury to a vein, surgery, certain medications, • Blood thinners and/or limited movement. • Clot busters
Risk Factors • Blood filters inserted into a large vein (when medications not appropriate) • Prolonged best rest • Cancer • Lifestyle and home remedies • Heart failure • Move / be active • Smoking • Take medications as directed • Age • Monitor for excessive bleeding • Injury or surgery • Wear compression stockings • Obesity or overweight • Check in with your doctor regularly • Pregnancy • Oral contraceptives or hormone replace- ment therapy • Inheriting blood clotting disorder • Inflammatory bowel disease • Family history • Sitting for long periods of time (driving or flying)
Gillen, G. (2006). Cerebrovascular accident/stroke. In H.M. Pendleton & W. Schultz-Krohn (Eds.). Pedretti’s Occupational Therapy Practice Skills for Physical Dysfunction (8th., pp. 802-837). St Louis: Mosby Elsevier. Mayo Clinic. (2006). Deep vein thrombosis.. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352557. Top Image Re- trieved from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_0290_DeepVeinThrombosis.png. Bottom Image retrieved from Therapy Achievements