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Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is commonly known as a blood clot. Blood clots may occur in someone who has had an injury or illness, is unable to move around as before, and does not have the use of muscles in the legs. Sometimes this occurs because the blood travels more slowly after injury or illness, and then a clot can develop. This is most likely to occur soon after an injury. Sometimes, other illnesses and prolonged bedrest give rise to blood clots. The risk becomes less when activity level increases. However, it is important to be aware of the potential problem. If treated, blood clots are not dangerous; but if untreated, they might break free, travel to the lungs or heart, and cause additional illness or even death.
Prevention
For the first two to three months following injury most people get medicine that thins the blood. This greatly reduces the chances for developing a blood clot. Sometimes the medication is given by mouth and sometimes by injection (shots). Occasionally, the medication itself has risks. Thinning the blood can result in extra bleeding from a cut or small injury. For this reason, the medicine is usually stopped after the time of greatest risk is past.
Staying active, doing exercise, and performing range of motion exercises, improve circulation and helps prevent blood clots.
While in the hospital, patients may be given sleeves to wrap around the legs that inflate and deflate with air in order to maintain circulation when in bed. They are often given in cases where blood thinning medication is not recommended. It is important to wear the sleeves whenever in bed to prevent blood clots.
Elastic stockings are frequently worn to help improve circulation. They also help decrease swelling in the legs.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of a blood clot is swelling of the leg. However, many people have swelling in their legs after they have been up all day, even without a blood clot being present. This swelling is usually present in both legs. Swelling from a blood clot will most commonly happen in the leg with the clot. It is important to get in the habit of checking legs each morning before getting dressed. If one leg looks larger than the other this may indicate a blood clot.
Other signs might include fever that does not go away with no other obvious signs of an infection; warmth, swelling, or pain in the leg.
Often a simple ultrasound test of the legs can show a blood clot. Contact your doctor if you would like more information on this.
Treatment
? Contact your primary care physician or go to the emergency room to be evaluated and treated, if necessary.
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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan 吃瓜天堂91, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details. ? Shirley Ryan 吃瓜天堂91 (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – /lifecenter.
