Expert Care for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) at Vascular Health Center
Arterial Disease Specialists with Decades of Experience
Don’t let arterial disease stop you from doing what you love. As one of the top vascular groups in the East Bay, we use the latest technology to help you get out of pain and back to life faster. Our on-site vascular lab makes appointments even easier.
Deep Vein Thrombosis Q & A
What is deep vein thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein that is deep inside your body. This usually occurs in your lower leg or thigh. A clot can also form in your upper extremities.
You can develop DVT because of:
- Injury
- Inactive lifestyle
- Use of certain medications
- Surgery can also increase your risk of developing a blood clot if it causes damage to the blood vessels in the surgical area or because of extended bed rest during your recovery.
What are the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis?
You may not be aware of the clot-forming, because not everyone has symptoms. However, you may experience issues that affect your mobility and cause you pain, such as:
- Cramping
- Skin discoloration
- Foot and ankle pain
- Temperature changes in the skin
- Swelling in the feet, legs, or ankles, usually on only one side
Another common side effect of DVT is phlebitis, an inflammation in the vein. Thrombophlebitis describes vein inflammation from a blood clot in the veins closer to the surface of your skin.
If you have an upper body clot, you may also experience symptoms in your neck, arms, and hands.
How is DVT treated?
Typically, you can expect to take blood-thinning medications to break up the clot and prevent additional complications. If conservative methods aren’t enough to relieve your symptoms or increase blood flow through the vein, you may be a candidate for surgery.
The team at Vascular Surgery Medical Group has decades of experience with the surgical removal of a DVT blood clot. Skilled surgeons use minimally invasive techniques to locate and remove the blood clot before repairing the vein. In some cases, they use a small balloon to widen your vein to make clot removal more effective.
Following your surgery, your provider can recommend lifestyle changes to help you prevent DVT and phlebitis down the road. These changes include increasing your daily exercise and avoiding sitting for long periods. You may also need to wear compression stockings to keep your blood circulating efficiently in your legs.
If you need surgical care for deep vein thrombosis, schedule a consultation by calling the Vascular Surgery Medical Group office nearest you or by requesting an appointment online today.
