What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT or deep vein thrombosis means just what the name suggests: a blood clot in one of your deep veins, such as veins along your muscles or bones.
The most common location for the occurrence of DVT is in your lower legs, although it can occur in other parts of the body. If the clot becomes dislodged and begins to travel it is no longer known as a thrombus and becomes an embolus, which depending on where it travels, may lead to a life-threatening situation.
How do I know if I have DVT?
In some cases, there are no early symptoms of DVT. That is why it is important to know your risk factors and take measures to prevent DVT from occurring if you are at risk. The primary symptom of DVT is pain in the affected area, the pain is described as a deep pain.
If the DVT is located in the calf, the pain is worse upon flexing the foot and lower leg upwards at the heel. This is known as a positive Homans sign. Your venous specialist or healthcare provider will actually perform this test upon examination.
Other DVT symptoms may include:
- swelling
- numbness
- tingling in surrounding areas
- discoloration
- skin ulcers
- redness
- fever
If the clot is in the lower leg, the leg may appear dusky or darker in color. Sometimes, skin ulcers may also occur.
If the tissues surrounding the clot become infected, redness with or without streaking may be present, and the area will become hot to the touch. You may even develop a fever.
Risk Factors for DVT
DVT has multiple causes and multiple risk factors which include the following:
- Family history of blood clots
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation resulting from peripheral vascular disease
- Smoking
- Sedentary Lifestyle and prolonged crossing of the legs
- Frequent Flying
- Varicose Veins
- Carrying excess weight
- Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
- Pregnancy
- Cancer and cancer treatments
- Heart Failure
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Any condition in which blood flow is restricted may cause blood to pool in the affected area and lead to clotting. Main complications from the clot include blocking the circulation below the affected area, leading to further swelling and potential infection of the vein, an increase in the size of the clot or formation of more clots in the area, and complete loss of circulation to the area. These complications may lead to injury and death of tissues surrounding the area.
In some cases, however, blood clots can form even without these risk factors or obvious triggers. This is known as an unprovoked venous thromboembolism.
What is an Unprovoked Venous Thromboembolism?
An unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE) refers to a blood clot that develops in a vein without any clear or obvious cause, such as recent surgery, trauma, extended periods of immobility, or underlying medical conditions like cancer. In other words, the clot forms “out of the blue,” with no easily identified trigger. These types of clots may occur even in people who don’t have the typical risk factors, and they often require thorough evaluation to rule out hidden causes and determine the best course of treatment.
Whether provoked or unprovoked, a history of DVT can sometimes lead to lasting damage in the veins. One of the most common long-term complications is called postphlebitic syndrome.
What is Postphlebitic Syndrome?
Postphlebitic syndrome, also known as post-thrombotic syndrome, is a potential long-term complication that sometimes follows a deep vein thrombosis. This condition develops when a blood clot causes lasting damage to the veins, impairing normal blood return from your leg.
Common symptoms you might notice include:
- persistent swelling in the leg
- ongoing pain or heaviness
- skin discoloration or areas that appear darker or reddish-brown
- the development of skin sores or ulcers, often near the ankle
These changes result from the reduced blood flow caused by a history of clotting in the deep veins. If you start to experience these symptoms, especially after being treated for DVT, be sure to let your healthcare provider know.
Since both new clots and postphlebitic syndrome can cause serious health issues, it’s important to know when to seek immediate medical attention.
When should I call my doctor?
If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor or vein specialist right away. Do not massage the area. Instead, assume bed rest to reduce the possibility of dislodging the clot. A dislodged clot can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain and cause a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.
DVT is an emergent medical condition and should be treated right away to avoid potential life-threatening complications.
During a doctor’s visit, your doctor will take a full medical history to determine your risk factors and make an initial diagnosis of the condition. Tests will be ordered that allow for direct visualization of the clot, such as ultrasounds as well as determine the effect of the clot on circulation.
Diagnostic Procedures
Common procedures used to confirm a DVT diagnosis include:
- Ultrasound: The most frequently used test, allowing doctors to see the clot in real time and assess blood flow.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Sometimes used for deeper veins or when ultrasound results are inconclusive.
These tests help your healthcare provider pinpoint the location and size of the clot, and decide on the best course of treatment.
What are the potential complications of DVT treatment?
The cornerstone of DVT treatment is blood thinners (anticoagulants), which reduce the risk of additional clotting. However, as with any medication, there are important risks to be aware of—most notably, the possibility of excessive bleeding.
While rare, this bleeding can occur anywhere in the body, from minor nosebleeds or easy bruising to more serious events like internal bleeding. For this reason, your doctor may require routine blood tests to ensure that your medication is working properly and that your blood is not “too thin.”
Special care is also needed if you have other medical conditions or take additional medicines that increase bleeding risk. Always let your healthcare provider know about all the drugs and supplements you use to prevent unwanted interactions and keep treatment as safe as possible.
Can blood thinners cause complications during DVT treatment?
Blood thinners are a common and effective treatment for DVT, but like any medication, they do carry some risks. The most significant complication is bleeding, which can range from minor bruising to more serious events like internal bleeding. Because of this, your doctor will usually order regular blood tests to monitor your clotting levels and make sure your medication is doing its job safely.
In some cases, adjustments in dosage may be necessary to reduce the risk of bleeding while still preventing clot formation. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you notice easy bruising, nosebleeds, blood in your urine or stool, or any unusual bleeding, as these can be signs that your blood is too thin.
When Should I go to the ER?
Since DVT can be potentially life-threatening, it’s crucial to recognize the signs of a severe blood clot in a deep vein. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have leg pain or swelling, plus
- Sudden coughing, particularly with blood
- Sharp chest pain or tightness
- Pain in the shoulder, back, arm, or jaw
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Breathing pain
- Feeling lightheaded
- Rapid heartbeat
How to Prevent DVT
If you’re concerned about DVT, know there are ways to prevent it. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting tobacco can reduce your risk of DVT.
Simple Strategies and Travel Tips to Prevent DVT
Worried about blood clots while flying, driving long distances, or spending too much time parked on the couch? Good news—there are several effective ways to lower your risk of DVT during periods of immobility, without making your life complicated.
Keep Your Legs Moving
Movement is your best friend when it comes to preventing DVT, especially during long trips or after surgery. Here’s what you can do:
- Stroll the Aisle: On airplanes or trains, get up and walk every hour or so. Don’t forget to stretch your legs—even a quick trip to the restroom counts as DVT prevention!
- Road Trip Routines: If you’re driving, pull over every hour to step outside, stretch, and take a few brisk steps. Yes, even gas station lunges are better than nothing!
- Deskbound? Do mini-exercises like pumping your ankles up and down or circling your feet if you can’t stand or walk. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed for long periods, since this limits blood flow.
Exercise Right Where You Are
Even if you’re stuck in a seat, you can help your veins:
- Point and flex your toes 10–15 times every half hour.
- Press your heels into the floor, then your toes, to activate calf muscles.
- Stand up and march in place if you find a little space.
Healthy Habits Go a Long Way
A few more ways to keep your veins happy:
- Don’t smoke. Smoking wreaks havoc on your veins and boosts clot risk.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water—airplanes especially can leave you dehydrated, which makes blood thicker.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight waistbands and socks that leave indentations can reduce circulation.
- Consider compression stockings: Especially for those with previous clotting problems or other risk factors, these can provide added protection.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Every pound less takes pressure off your veins.
A little prevention goes a long way—your legs will thank you, whether you’re crossing the Atlantic or just your living room.
See a vein specialist near you if you think you have DVT or are at risk for DVT. We at The Vein Centre in Nashville and Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, would love to help you with your venous health concerns.
