Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops within a deep vein in the body, causing pain and swelling. It affects as many as 900,000 Americans each year. It usually occurs in the legs, causing pain and swelling. To avoid serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism, it’s highly recommended that you seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of deep vein thrombosis.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the leading causes of DVT.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Red skin
- Cramping pain in one leg
- Warmth around the affected area
- Swelling on one side of the leg
Immobility
Prolonged immobility is often a cause of deep vein thrombosis. The contraction of muscles is essential to maintain adequate blood flow. Prolonged immobility causes pooling of the blood, which can lead to stiffness and swelling in the legs. These factors contribute to the development of deep vein thrombosis, especially in cases of prolonged bed rest or paralysis.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis compared to women who are not pregnant. This is largely due to the elevated levels of blood-clotting proteins during pregnancy. DVT can occur at any stage during the pregnancy and studies have shown that up to 90 percent of DVT cases during pregnancies occur in the left leg.
Obesity
Research has shown that obese individuals are at a high risk of deep vein thrombosis. This is especially alarming, considering that obesity is increasingly prevalent in the United States. One of the side-effects of obesity is diabetes, which increases the chances of DVT. Moreover, obesity can change the makeup of your blood, leading to inflammation, which makes your blood more prone to clots.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins affect 35% of American adults and the condition can notably increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The superficial clots associated with varicose veins can cause pain and swelling in the legs and severe cases even lead to deep vein thrombosis. As some symptoms of the two conditions are similar such as pain and swelling, it’s recommended that you consult a doctor immediately to begin the right course of treatment.
If you’re looking for experienced varicose vein practitioners in NYC, reach out to Varicose Veins Doctors. We are renowned for our customized treatment plans for our patients. Our doctors use modern treatment methods to treat varicose veins, spider veins, leg cramps, and restless leg syndrome. To schedule an appointment, call 212-906-9111!
