DVT is a condition wherein there is a formation of the blood clot in the vein that is located deep into the body. Blood clotting is nothing but a clot of blood, which takes up a solid form. These might occur either in a person’s lower legs or thighs. However, some of the DVTs can be found in other regions of the body.
Deep vein thrombosis: Early warning signs
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the early warning symptoms for deep vein thrombosis primarily occur in only 50% of those suffering from the condition. Some of the most common indications are:
- A visible swelling usually on just one side of the ankle, foot, or the leg
- An unexplained or severe pain in the ankle and foot
- A cramping sensation in the leg, which starts around the calf
- A particular area feels hotter than the other surrounding areas
- The skin around the area, which is affected starts turning blue, red, or pale.
At times, people who have a clot of blood in their arm or suffer from upper deep vein thrombosis might not experience any of the above-listed symptoms. For them the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms include:
- Pain in the neck
- Hands or the arms get swollen
- Unbearable pain in the shoulder
- Color of the affected area becomes bluish
- Pain shifts from the arm towards the forearm
- Feeling of weakness in the hands.
In certain instances, people who do have DVT might not know about the disorder until they undergo treatment for pulmonary embolism, which is a formation of the blood clump inside the lungs.
In some cases, this lung clump appears because of the shift of the DVT from the leg or the arm to the lung. If ever the arteries in the lungs are blocked, it could be fatal; this situation which would require immediate care.
Causes of DVT
As discussed earlier, DVT happens as a result of blood clotting. Because of this clot, the veins are blocked, which prevents the proper circulation of the blood around the body. There are multiple reasons for blood clotting. Some of them include:
Surgery: At times, the blood vessels are damaged because of surgery, and that can cause blood clotting. The chances of blood clotting are more if one is on severe bed rest post-surgery.
Injury: If there’s any damage to the walls of the blood vessels, it can lead to the inadequate flow of blood. As a result of this, blood clotting might happen.
Inactivity or reduced mobility: If a person sits for long hours, there is a possibility of the development of blood clots in the lower section of the legs. So, to ensure that blood clots are not formed, it is important to walk around for at least 30 minutes a day.
Medications: Few medications, too, can lead to blood clotting.
