- How the treatment is done
- Physiotherapy for Deep Venous Thrombosis
- Symptoms of Deep Venous Thrombosis
- Possible complications
- How to prevent thrombosis in the leg
Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs that can hinder or block blood flow.
The thrombus can also flow through the blood and reach other important organs such as the lung or the heart, causing serious consequences. It can be caused by several factors, being more common in the elderly and in people with blood circulation problems.
In most cases, the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling of the leg, redness and severe pain, which worsens over time. Therefore, whenever these symptoms appear and there is a suspicion of thrombosis, one should go to the hospital to have tests and confirm the diagnosis, initiating the appropriate treatment.
How the treatment is done
The treatment for deep venous thrombosis is done with the use of anticoagulant drugs, prescribed by the cardiologist or vascular surgeon. Some patients need to be admitted to hospitals for treatment. If the woman is taking any contraceptives she should stop immediately, as they increase the risk of thrombosis.
For treatment, there are also oral medications and subcutaneous injections. The best known by the population are Heparin and Warfarin. However, new medications have been developed and are being used more and more for having good results in the treatment of thrombosis and for resulting in a lower risk of bleeding.
The treatment time with drugs is at least 3 months, and the use of compression stockings, from 30 to 40 mmHg, which should be used during the day and night, for a period of approximately 2 to 3 years, is also recommended. The doctor may also perform surgery to place a metal stent inside the vein to ensure blood flow.
Learn more about the different treatment options and how they work.
Physiotherapy for Deep Venous Thrombosis
Physiotherapy is indicated when the person is hospitalized in case of treatment for thrombosis in the leg. 24 hours after using anticoagulants, you can walk around the room for a few minutes and exercise with your legs using elastic stockings.
Lying in bed with legs elevated is a good way to reduce swelling in the legs and improve venous return. Respiratory physiotherapy is especially indicated for elderly people, and breathing exercises should be encouraged.
Symptoms of Deep Venous Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis can cause very characteristic symptoms, such as pain in one of the legs, swelling, feeling of heat, pain when touching the leg and better visualization of the leg veins, for example. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of DVT.
Possible complications
When deep vein thrombosis is not adequately treated, there is a risk of pulmonary embolism, which is one of the main complications of deep vein thrombosis. The signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition are: shortness of breath, rapid breathing, chest pain that worsens when breathing, cough without apparent cause and with blood.
How to prevent thrombosis in the leg
Healthy lifestyle habits such as keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control can help prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis, but to avoid a new condition of thrombosis in the leg, the following strategies can be adopted:
- Adopt a contraceptive method other than the contraceptive pill; The doctor may recommend the use of anticoagulant drugs for bedridden people; On plane trips: drink fluids, stretch the leg muscles every 2 hours, get up for a short walk inside the plane and move your feet whenever possible, and avoid drinking coffee and alcohol. When traveling for more than 6 hours, elderly people should always wear elastic compression stockings. Watch the following video and see other tips that can improve your trip:
