Blood Clot in Leg
A blood clot in the leg is also referred to as deep vein thrombosis. This occurs when a blood clot becomes imbedded in one of the major deep veins of the lower legs, pelvis, or thighs. A blood clot blocks the circulation of the blood through these veins, which carry blood from the lower body back to the heart. This blockage can cause pain, swelling, or even warmth to the leg that has been affected. The blood clots in the veins can lead to inflammation called thrombophlebitis. Some severe complications can occur when the clot breaks loose and then travels through your bloodstream. This is dangerous because it can cause blockages of blood vessels that are in your lungs. This is called pulmonary embolism, and it can lead to difficulty breathing and even death in very severe cased where there is severe blockage. There are about two million people each year in the United States alone who develop the condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Most of these people are at least 40 years old and maybe older. Nearly 600,000 of these people end up hospitalized annually due to the condition.
Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clot)
There are several factors that may lead to the formation of clots inside your blood vessels. The first factor is damage to the inside of your blood vessel as a result of trauma or other conditions. A second factor is if you have changes in your normal blood flow, which may include an unusual turbulence or a partial or complete blockage of the flow of blood. A third factor is hypercoagulability, which is a state that is rare, but causes the blood to be more likely to clot. Another factor that may cause a blood clot to form is when you sit for a long time; examples include riding in a car or plane on a trip. Also, if you have been on bed rest or immobile for some time, you are also at risk. If you have had recent surgery, especially orthopedic, gynecologic, or heart surgery, you are at increased risk, and if you have had recent trauma to the lower body, such as fractures of the bones of the thigh, lower leg, or hip, you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis. Other risk factors include obesity, heart attack or heart failure, being at high altitude, recent childbirth, cancer, use of estrogen replacement or birth control pills, inherited genetic changes in blood clotting factors, disseminated intravascular coagulation, certain heart or respiratory conditions, and advanced age.
Symptoms of a Blood Clot in Your Leg
Nearly 50% of people suffering with a blood clot do not have any visible symptoms, but for those that do, there are some symptoms to be aware of. A clot obstructs the flow of blood and causes inflammation in the area. Therefore, symptoms may include swelling, gradual onset of pain, redness, worsening leg pain when you bend your foot, warmth to the touch at the site of the affected area, bluish or whitish discoloration, and leg cramps, most commonly felt at night. If you suspect that you have a blood clot, be sure to see your doctor immediately. In some cases, deep vein thrombosis may resolve by itself, but if the clot reaches your lung, a life-threatening consequence may occur, and this is called pulmonary embolism. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment of a Blood Clot
To treat deep vein thrombosis, you will likely be prescribed medication by your doctor. At home, you also need to take specific home care treatments. First, be sure to keep the affected limb elevated. Second, try to avoid bed rest or prolonged sitting. Third, relieve your pain by using warm and moist heat and apply it to the affected area.
Medical treatment may include a blood thinning medication known as a anticoagulant. While these medications will not remove the blood clot, they will stabilize the clot and make it adhere to the wall of the blood vessel. The anticoagulants also prevent further clotting or a worsening of the condition. If the blood clot is found above the knee, you will more than likely be admitted into a hospital for treatment. While you are in the hospital, you will probably be given an anticoagulant medication called heparin, which is only available as an injection or IV. It provides rapid prevention of the blood from clotting any further. If you have had bleeding in the brain, recent brain surgery, or bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, you would probably not be given an anticoagulant.
Prevention of a Blood Clot
If you are obese, you should lose weight, which will help you reverse your risks of a blood clot. You should also avoid sitting for long periods of time. When you are sitting down or in bed, keep your legs elevated. Avoiding high dosage estrogen pills can also lower your risk of a blood clot. If you have recently had surgery, there are some preventive treatments your doctor may prescribe so that you do not develop a clot. First, your doctor may recommend that you get out of bed a few times a day while you are recovering to keep your blood flowing. Second, sequential compression devices may be placed on your legs. These devices have been shown to reduce your chances of developing a blood clot. You may also be given elastic stockings to wear. In some cases low molecular weight heparin or a low dosage of warfarin may be prescribed to prevent the formation of blood clots.
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