Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein located deep inside the body. It typically forms in the thigh or lower leg, but it can develop in other areas of the body too. It usually causes leg pain or swelling, but sometimes there might be no symptoms at all. It is a serious condition and can lead to fatality as blood clots in the veins that have become loose, travel through the bloodstream and get lodged in the lungs, blocking blood flow. This makes it all the more important to not only know how to identify the symptoms but adopt necessary deep vein thrombosis prevention tips, especially if one is at risk of the condition.

1. Signs and symptoms

• Swelling in the affected leg
• Pain in the leg due to cramping or soreness that often originates in the calf.
• Redness or discoloration of the skin on the leg.
• A warm feeling in the affected leg.
• Enlarged veins.

In addition, other symptoms experienced by individuals suffering from deep vein thrombosis are:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain, which increases when you take a deep breath
• Blood in the cough
• Higher heart rate

2. Causes

The common risk factors that increase the chances of getting the condition include:

• Those who sit for long periods of time have a higher chance of getting the condition as the muscles in the leg become lax, making it hard for blood to circulate.
• If one has undergone surgery and is bed-ridden for a long time, they are at a higher risk of getting deep vein thrombosis.
• While carrying a baby, the mother has excess weight that puts pressure on the veins in the legs and pelvis and this can lead to the condition.
• People with a body mass index of more than 30 can get it.
• Medical conditions such as cancer, heart ailments, and irritable bowel disease can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, making it essential to practice prevention tips.
• Injury to the vein from a broken bone, surgery or other trauma.
• Inherited blood disorders.

3. Deep vein thrombosis prevention

The best way to avoid this condition is to practice some lifestyle and dietary changes focused on preventing it. If one believes they are at risk of the condition due to any of the aforementioned factors, then it is best to try deep vein thrombosis prevention tips such as:

• Exercise to keep agile
• Weight loss
• If one has a desk job, they must ensure that they move around often. Even a short walk around the office will do.
• Drinking lots of water and wearing loose clothes
• Quitting smoking
• Monitoring the blood pressure regularly if they have issues with fluctuating BP
• If one has any inherited clotting problems, they should inform their doctor without delay

These deep vein thrombosis prevention tips are simple are easy to follow and can be adopted immediately to ensure that even at-risk individuals have a chance of not developing the condition ever.