What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when one or more blood clots develop, most often in the deep veins of your legs. DVT doesn't always cause symptoms, but if you do experience them, they could include:
- Swelling in one leg
- Skin discoloration
- Heat in the leg
- Pain and cramps
- Soreness or tenderness
Your DVT symptoms may be mild or could become severe enough that you struggle to bear weight on the affected leg. If you have symptoms of a DVT, you should never ignore them (even if they're mild), as blood clots in your deep veins can cause serious complications.
What are the causes of deep vein thrombosis?
The cause of a DVT is a problem with your circulation. You may be prone to DVT if you inherit a blood clotting disorder, or your blood may become too sticky from dehydration. Medications like hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills are also risk factors.
Other risk factors for DVT include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Having heart failure
- Vein injuries
- Having inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Family history of DVT
Immobility is a common cause of DVT, so it's a risk when you're bedridden or if you spend a long time seated, on a plane, for example.
Your provider at Florida Lakes Vein Center can determine the presence of DVT using state-of-the-art ultrasound technology.
What treatments are there for deep vein thrombosis?
If you have a DVT, the priority is to ensure the clot doesn't cause a pulmonary embolism. The Florida Lakes Vein Center team has several options it can use to prevent this problem:
Anticoagulant therapy
Anticoagulants are blood-thinning medications that reduce your blood's stickiness. They're usually the first treatment method and effective for most patients. You might require intravenous (IV) medication or oral anticoagulants, and sometimes both.
Find out more about DVT and how to prevent and treat it by calling Florida Lakes Vein Center, or book an appointment online today.
