Every March, our team at Vein Specialists of the South spends time educating our community about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition that affects thousands of people every year. DVT Awareness Month is personal to us because of the patients we help every year who encounter this condition, and March is a good time to get the word out about the possible warning signs.
DVT symptoms can often feel similar to everyday aches and pains that you may blame on a tough workout or a long day on your feet. However, the condition can become life-threatening if it is undetected for too long. We will help you recognize some of the signs your body may be sending so you know when it’s time to seek medical attention.
What Is DVT and Why Does It Matter for Your Health?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins of your body, most commonly in the legs. These are veins that you cannot see or feel from the outside, so it can sometimes be difficult to identify an issue. As many as 900,000 Americans are affected by some type of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins) every year, including DVT.
A blood clot in your leg is serious on its own, but when the clot breaks free and travels to your lungs, it becomes a pulmonary embolism (PE), a medical emergency. It is estimated that the incidence of fatal PE in the US is between 60,000 and 100,000 each year. Early detection and treatment of DVT is important for preventing pulmonary embolism, as well as other complications. Regular vein screenings are recommended regardless, as half of people who develop a PE have no signs of DVT.
Common DVT Symptoms That You Should Not Dismiss
Swelling in One Leg
Swelling in both legs at the end of a long day can have a number of causes, including chronic venous insufficiency. But swelling that appears in only one leg is more concerning. This is one of the most telling signs of possible deep vein thrombosis. If the swelling is concentrated in your calf or thigh and doesn’t improve with elevation, we recommend coming in for a consultation. If the swelling is acute with rapid onset, or you have shortness or breath, chest pain or a sense of doom, you should be seen immediately in a hospital ERT setting or call 911.
Pain or Tenderness That Feels Like a Cramp
A deep, aching pain in your calf or thigh that feels like a charley horse or a pulled muscle can be a sign of DVT. With muscular pain, the symptoms often go away with rest, but with DVT, they may persist or get worse when you flex your foot upward. DVT pain won’t respond to stretching.
Skin That Feels Warm or Looks Discolored
When a clot forms in a deep vein, the area around it can become noticeably warm to the touch. You may also notice redness or a bluish discoloration on the skin of the affected leg. Clots disrupt normal blood flow and cause inflammation in the surrounding tissue.
Heaviness That Does Not Go Away With Rest
It is normal for your legs to feel tired after a hike, but if your legs constantly feel heavy, achy and fatigued after a normal day, it is time for an evaluation. Ongoing heaviness can signal that blood is not flowing properly through the deep and/or superficial veins.
Who Is at Risk for DVT?
- Recent Surgery or Hospitalization: Procedures that limit your mobility, such as orthopedic surgeries, are among the most common triggers for DVT. Hospital stays are involved in more than a third of the VTE cases diagnosed annually.
- Sedentary Lifestyle or Prolonged Sitting/Standing: Jobs that keep you at a desk or on your feet in one position for hours can slow your venous blood return and increase your risk.
- Pregnancy or Hormonal Birth Control: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and certain types of birth control can increase clotting factors in your blood.
- Family History of Blood Clots or Clotting Disorders: If a close relative has had a DVT or PE, you may carry a genetic predisposition.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins of the legs and pelvis and makes it harder for blood to circulate efficiently.
- Untreated superficial varicose veins: Patients with untreated superficial vein disease have a significantly increased risk of DVT and or Superifical Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and an increased risk of PE.
DVT has a high recurrence rate. The CDC reports that 3 in 10 people who have a blood clot will experience another episode in 10 years. If you have had a clot before, be sure to prioritize ongoing monitoring and preventative care.
How Vein Specialists of the South Diagnose and Treat DVT
At VSS, we perform duplex venous ultrasounds in our office. This is a type of noninvasive imaging that allows us to see the blood flow in your deep veins and identify clots. A credentialed team will interpret the results right away.
We are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) as a center of excellence for venous ultrasound. Dr. Kenneth Harper, who holds certifications from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, along with credentials in performing and interpreting arterial and venous studies, and he personally oversees your results.
What to Do if You Notice Signs of DVT
Not every symptom on our list means you have a DVT. However, if you are at risk for venous conditions and you are noticing one or more of these warning signs, we recommend scheduling a vein evaluation.
For non-emergency symptoms like persistent leg swelling or cramping, you can schedule an appointment at Vein Specialists of the South. We will evaluate your deep and superficial veins and develop a personalized plan as part of our Better Veins for Life® approach.
If you experience sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath or sudden severe leg swelling with bluish skin discoloration, call 911 immediately.
Schedule a Vein Screening in Macon and Warner Robins
This DVT Awareness Month, don’t let uncertainty keep you from getting answers. The symptoms you have been brushing off could be pointing to something more serious. With 25+ years of experience and a vein team that treats you like family, Vein Specialists of the South is here to help you take the next step toward healthier legs and peace of mind.
Give us a call at 478-743-2472 or schedule a consultation online. We have two convenient locations in Macon and Warner Robins.
