DVT, or deep vein thrombosis, is a venous problem that occurs in the deep veins. Deep veins are blood vessels that are in the muscle tissues. These veins are close to the arteries and carry most of the blood throughout the body.
Deep vein thrombosis is a clotting of the blood. Usually forms at the pelvis region and the lower and upper legs. Individuals with DVT are vulnerable to pulmonary embolism (a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries of the lungs).
DVT can happen to anyone. If you have to spend long hours on plane rides or even seated at your desk for long periods you are at risk. There are also instances if you are a smoker or even obese. The greater danger is to those who just had a trauma or surgery due to immobility.
1. SYMPTOMS
If you are experiencing pain or tenderness and your skin is warm to the touch, there is a possibility that you have DVT. But there are more signs that you have to look for before you say you have developed deep vein thrombosis, and here are those other symptoms:
- Cramping or throbbing in either one of the legs
- Inflamed blood vessels that are hard to the touch
- Darkened or reddish skin where the pain is felt
These symptoms usually happen on one leg and rarely occur on both.
2. CAUSES
There are other reasons why an individual develops DVT. Other than what was mentioned earlier. Some causes may be:
Other situations can also trigger DVT such as:
But in these said situations, DVT growth can be avoided by taking cautionary measures. However, the first risk factors are somehow unavoidable.
3. Do Compression Socks Help with DVT
You may have encountered compression socks before and even have tried wearing one, but you did not understand why it’s not as stretchy as ordinary socks.
Compression socks were fashioned for a specific function, and that is to help with blood circulation at the lower extremities. It is designed to be snug at the ankle then it gradually relaxes at the calf and, or, thigh – depending on the height of the socks.
Since the ankle is the farthest to the heart, the tightest pressure needs to be concentrated in that area of the feet to help get the blood flowing. The pressure pushes the blood to flow up to the legs and back towards the heart. At the same time, compression socks prevent the feet and legs from swelling and feeling pain.
So, with this principle, compression socks can prevent clotting by continuously stimulating blood circulation in both the tiny (superficial) veins and deep veins. The use of compression stockings for DVT will enable the blood to push the clot, thus removing the blockage from the affected blood vessels.
Typically, compression stockings or socks are worn during the daytime, putting them on before standing up. However, depending on your doctor, a patient may be advised to wear the socks even at night. This also has to be clear so that you would know the best time to wear compression socks.
4. Can Compression Socks Cause DVT
According to a study, only 9% of patients who had worn compression socks developed DVT after surgery. On the other hand, there was a higher percentage of patients that did not wear compression socks who developed DVT after surgery.
Although you have to consider that compression socks have to be the right fit to work well, otherwise, they may do more harm if it’s too tight. Nevertheless, if the pressure is too rigid it may consequently do the opposite. The best practice should be to get the correct information.
There are specific compression socks for DVT called anti-embolism stockings or TED. The compression level of these socks is 20 mmHg or even lower. Be mindful of this specific information to avoid any unfavorable results.
Finally, DVT can be prevented or cured. If you think you may be having symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. If you just came out of surgery, do what your doctor has told you to help you immediately recover.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg