Are you experiencing pain and swelling in an extremity? Have you recently been on a long car ride or airplane? You may be suffering from “deep vein thrombosis”, a common condition that can actually be life-threatening if not properly treated.
What Are DVTs?
Deep vein thrombosis (also known as a DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins located throughout your body. DVTs most often occur in the legs. However, they can occur in any deep vein in your body.
Symptoms of DVTs
Wondering what exactly a DVT might feel like? Common symptoms include:
- Tenderness, swelling or pain in an extremity (most often in one of your calves).
- Heavy aching in the affected extremity.
- Warn skin in the affected extremity/area.
- Red or purple skin in the extremity.
Some patients, however, experience fewer symptoms, if you believe you or a loved one is suffering from a DVT, don’t hesitate to visit Angleton ER immediately.
Preventing DVTs
Want to prevent DVTs? There are many things you can do to help lower your risk, which include:
- Asking your doctor about compression stockings and blood thinners to prevent clots (if you have a history).
- Lose weight.
- Be as active as possible. Even just walking can help.
- Do not sit for more than an hour at a time without getting up and moving around.
- If you cannot move, do foot exercises or move around to increase circulation.
- While driving, be sure to stop every 2 hours and take a walk.
- Always wear loose fitting clothing.
- Drink plenty of water daily.
- Talk to your doctor about the risks of birth control.
Have DVTs? Seek Emergency Care in Angleton, TX
Are you worried that you or a loved one may have a DVT blood clot? Visit Angleton ER right away, a DVT is an emergency and requires immediate medical care. You can even check in online before arriving.