DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms within the deep veins, it most commonly occurs in the veins of the pelvis, calf, or thigh and can have serious consequences. If a blood clot travels through the bloodstream it can block blood flow to the lungs which can result in pulmonary embolism which can cause damage to the lungs, veins, and other organs, it can also reduce oxygen levels and can be fatal in some cases.
Our arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.
THERE ARE 4 TYPES OF VEINS:
- Deep veins are located within the muscle tissue and have a corresponding artery nearby.
- Superficial veins are close to the skin’s surface and don’t have corresponding arteries.
- Pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
- Systemic veins are transported deoxygenated blood back to the heart and are located throughout our bodies.
CAUSES OF DVT
DVT can happen to anyone but certain disorders or conditions can increase the risk of a blood clot:
- Chronic Heart Disease, Stroke & Paralysis
- High Blood Pressure
- Smoking
- Prolonged Sitting & Laying Down
- Age
- Certain Illnesses (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Kidney Disorders)
- Being Overweight & Obesity
- Varicose Veins
- Injury to the Lower Body
- Hip, Knee, or Leg Surgery
- Personal & Family History of DVT
- Having Certain Types of Cancers
- Using Birth Control Pills
- Pregnancy & First 6 Weeks After Giving Birth
- Slow Blood Flow
DVT SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms can be seen in the ankle, calf or thigh:
- Warmth or tenderness above the vein
- Pain/ sudden swelling
- Redness/ discoloured skin
- Constant pain in one leg while standing or walking
- Firmness/ thickening of the vein
HELPFUL TIPS
- Drink lots of fluids
- Wear loose-fitted clothing
- Walk and stretch/ take breaks while driving/ working
- Wear compression stockings
- Exercise your leg if you’re sitting for a long time
- Be active; the more active you are, the better your chance of avoiding a blood clot
- Take medicine to prevent clots after surgery.
- Keeping affected area raised
HPW IS DVT DIAGNOSED?
- Blood tests
- Doppler ultrasound: A device is placed over veins that use sound waves to check blood flow.
- MRI scans can show clots in the legs or pelvis.
- Venogram: a dye is put into a vein, then an X-ray is taken. The dye can show clots in the vein.
- CT scan
DVT & PHYSICAL THERAPY
If diagnosed early, your doctor may recommend physical therapy along with other modalities. The primary goal of physiotherapy is to improve blood circulation, relieve pain, inflammation, and restore movement by avoiding surgery and use pain medications.
TREATMENT OPTIONS:
There are a variety of treatment options and techniques that can help with DVT.
The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician. Therefore the physician must start from nature, with an open mind.
Paracels