About this topic
A blood clot in a vein deep inside your leg is a deep vein thrombosis or venous thromboembolism. It is also called a DVT or VTE. You may have pain, redness, itching, burning, or swelling along the vein. A DVT can affect the large veins in your lower leg and thigh. The blood clot can travel to other parts of your body and cause serious problems. If a clot travels to the lungs, it will be hard for you to breathe. It can also lead to death. ‚
Because of this, it is important to learn about blood clots and work to prevent them. You are more likely to have blood clots if you: ‚
- Have had surgery or will be spending a lot of time resting in bed
- Have a history of serious illnesses like heart, lung, or kidney problems
- Have a history of blood clots
- Are over 40 years old and do not exercise a lot
- Have been traveling and sitting for more than 2 hours at a time, especially on an airplane
- Smoke
- Are overweight
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What will the results be?
You will be less likely to have a blood clot. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs called blood thinners. Some blood thinners are taken as a pill and some are taken as a shot into your stomach area. Blood thinners decrease the ability of the blood to clot. Too much of this drug may cause bleeding. Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take. This includes over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal products or supplements. ‚
What problems could happen?
You may have a blood clot, even though you are trying to prevent them. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There are many ways to help prevent blood clots. Your doctor will make a plan based on your condition. The doctor will also consider how likely you are to get a blood clot and your risk of bleeding if you would take a blood thinner. ‚
- When you are in the hospital or going to have surgery:
- Talk to your doctor if you are on estrogen therapy. The doctor may ask you to stop taking this drug for a time before and after surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about all other drugs you are taking. You may have to stop some other drugs before surgery.
- You may have to wear special stockings that squeeze and release on your legs every few minutes or hours. These help to keep the blood moving in your legs.
- You may be asked to get out of bed soon after a surgery or while being treated for an illness.
- Make sure you take all your blood thinner drugs exactly as ordered. Too much can cause bleeding and too little can allow your blood to clot.
- While you are in bed or in a chair:
- Prop your leg on a pillow when in bed and on a chair or footstool when you sit. Do not put the pillow under your knee sideways so that your knee is bent in bed. Instead, put it long ways to support your knee and lower leg.
- To help increase blood flow to your lower legs, point your toes and then bring them back toward your knees. Repeat this motion 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day.
- Your doctor may advise you to wear compression stockings to help with blood flow.
- Move around as much as you are able
- Get out of bed and move around as soon as you are able.
- Walking can speed up recovery. It may also help prevent blood clots.
- At home or when traveling
- Do not sit for long periods of time. Get up and move around every 1 to 2 hours, unless you are sleeping.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing around your legs and waist.
- Stretch your legs or wiggle your toes during long trips. Flex and extend your knees and ankles. Change position often.
- Wear compression stockings to help with blood flow.
- Do not cross your legs while sitting or lying in bed.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
- Avoid agents that might make you sleep for a long time. Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or take sleeping pills.
- Do not smoke.
- If you are overweight, you should lose weight.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pale or blue colored skin or your skin feels cold to touch
- Swelling of legs or increase in size of one leg
- No feeling in your leg or foot
- Tingling sensation in your leg or foot that does not go away
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Pain in your lower or upper legs when walking, pain that gets worse with walking or keeps you from walking
- Pain in the back of your lower leg muscle when you point your toes and then flex your foot
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dvt/prevention.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/pages/prevention.aspx ‚
Vascular Disease Foundation ‚
http://vasculardisease.org/whats-in-your-stocking-make-sure-its-not-dvt/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚