“While seeking treatment for my varicose veins, my vein specialist also found a DVT blood clot in my leg. Thank goodness I decided to seek help from the experts in vein care. It changed my life.”
When Tony came to see us, he was concerned about his varicose veins, leg swelling, pain, and discomfort. During his evaluation, we also discovered Deep Vein Thrombosis — a DVT blood clot — in one of his legs. If Tony had waited much longer, the clot may have come loose and traveled to his lungs, causing a potentially life threatening Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
For Over 20 Years, Tony Has Been On His Feet
Tony has worked in several high-risk careers for developing venous disease. As a military veteran, a restaurant manager, and a teacher, he has been on his feet working all day, every day, for decades. The work took a toll on his veins and legs, leading to varicose veins, leg swelling, and a DVT blood clot.
Standing All Day Is Bad For Your Health
You’ve likely heard that “sitting is the new smoking,” which is true. But standing all day long is not good for your health either. Standing all day, without taking precautions, puts an additional strain on your legs and veins. The vein walls can weaken as they struggle against gravity to move blood flow back up to your heart. Over time, the blood pools, causing:
- bulging, enlarged veins
- pain, heaviness, and fatigue
- swelling
For Tony, decades of hard work in three high-risk jobs for leg health, increased his likelihood of varicose veins and DVT.
If you are a teacher, coach, restaurant worker, or in the military, take note!
Tony’s Story Is Not Unique
Many people living with varicose veins, leg swelling, and unexplained leg pain have a DVT blood clot in the leg. And without evaluation, they may never know until the blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening emergency.
If you have:
- varicose veins,
- spider veins,
- visible leg swelling, and/or
- unexplained leg pain, heaviness, or fatigue,
seek evaluation and treatment from our team of vein specialists in Middle Georgia.
Varicose Veins And DVT Blood Clots Are Linked
While it is unclear if varicose veins cause DVT blood clots, a recent study published in JAMA found that the presence of varicose veins are common among patients who have a DVT blood clot. This confirmed our own long-held suspicion that the two conditions were linked.
Why are these two health concerns more likely to occur together? Varicose veins are the result of poor circulation, causing blood to pool in the veins. This is what makes the veins swell. Hindrance of blood circulation also leads to blood clots. As the blood flow slows down, red blood cells bind together, forming a clot.
This is one of many reasons to seek evaluation and care from an experienced team of vein specialists. Waiting can be deadly.
Both Conditions Are Very Treatable
Don’t allow fear of bad news keep you from seeking care. Varicose veins and related conditions are very treatable; and at Vein Specialists of the South, we have a wide range of minimally invasive procedures that we can perform right in our office, no surgery required.
If, during your evaluation, we discover a DVT blood clot, it is better that we find it before it causes you a lot of trouble. In some cases, a blood thinner can resolve the clot. In other cases, you may require a procedure. It is better to know so that you can take action and prevent a medical emergency.
Varicose Veins And DVT Blood Clots Do Not Always Present Together
If you have varicose veins, it does not mean you will definitely have a DVT blood clot. Conversely, you can have a blood clot without having other symptoms of venous disease. In fact, DVT can be present with no symptoms at all. That being said, you should be on the look out for these symptoms:
- a spot on your leg that is red, warm, and/or tender to the touch
- unexplained leg pain, aches, heaviness, and/or swelling
If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see your physician or a vein specialist right away.
If your chest feels heavy, you have trouble breathing, and/or a sense of impending doom, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. It could be a DVT blood clot that traveled to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. In the event that it is not a PE, those symptoms are worrisome and potentially life threatening. It’s important to seek emergency medical care. Don’t wait.
Follow Tony’s Lead And Take Your Health Into Your Own Hands
Book an evaluation with Vein Specialists of the South if you:
- 1. stand or sit for long periods of time for work
- 2. have unexplained leg pain, swelling, heaviness, fatigue, or soreness
- 3. have visible varicose veins or spider veins
- 4. are in another high risk category, such as having a family history of venous disease, take hormonal birth control, or have had one or more pregnancies
If your schedule does not permit a visit to one of our offices in Downtown Macon or Warner Robins, GA, try our online service at VirtualVein.com. If you spend a lot of time in Downtown Macon, consider attending one of our Vein Education events. All of our attendees receive an evaluation the day of the event.
