What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when blood clots into a solid state within veins that lie deep inside the body. Often, this problem occurs in veins in the thighs and calves, but it can happen in the arms and other parts of the body as well.

While the problem may be asymptomatic in some people, it can cause significant risk. The clot could become dislodged and enter other parts of the body like the lungs, where it can do much more harm. This is precisely why learning the causes, symptoms, and treatments for DVT is important.

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

One major factor that contributes to the formation of clots in these parts of the body is lack of movement. Sitting still without moving for over four hours drastically increases the likelihood of an individual experiencing DVT, and is a leading cause of the formation of clots in muscle tissue located deep within the legs. However, there are many other contributing factors to consider, including:

• Genetic blood clotting disorders
• Injury or surgery
• Smoking
• Age
• Being overweight or obese
• Certain types of cancer
• Heart failure
• IBS and related diagnoses
• Varicose veins
• Pregnancy
• Hormones

All of these risk factors can cause DVT and are only exacerbated by prolonged lack of movement.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Learning to identify the symptoms of DVT is the first step toward getting reliable treatment. Fortunately, in many cases, DVT has easily-identifiable symptoms, including pain, swelling, redness in the skin around the clot, and warmth and discomfort in the leg or other affected area.

However, some cases of DVT may present as completely asymptomatic on the surface, but can still lead to thickening, hardening veins.

Those with seemingly no symptoms may not notice there’s an issue until the clot moves and causes a pulmonary embolism. This occurs when the deep clot breaks free and moves through the body to embed itself in the lungs and other crucial areas, and includes noticeable symptoms such as shortness of breath, sudden chest pain, coughing, and spitting up blood.

Treatment Options for DVT

Once diagnosed, treatments for DVT can include the prescription of clot busters or blood thinners by your doctor. Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment may be required for some extreme cases, but more often than not, the best way to keep clots at bay is to lose weight, stay active and quit smoking. The use of compression stockings may also be advised.

Why Choose Us?

Since 2001, our professionals at Gilvydis Vein Clinic have been dedicated to to helping our patients experience less downtime and more time doing what they love. Our board-certified doctors have the experience to handle any DVT case, and our staff truly care about the experience and comfort of each and every patient that books an appointment. We’ve performed well over 20,000 successful vein treatments, and only seek to see that number grow in the coming years.

Contact Gilvydis Vein Clinics in Geneva and Sycamore, IL to learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis and request an appointment for a free screening. Your vein health is important, and we’re here to ensure it’s in tip-top shape.