Causes and risk factors
Any condition that prevents blood to circulate normally in the body, hypercoagubility and changes in the endothelial lining of the blood vessel contributes to the formation of deep vein thrombosis. Risks for DVT include prolonged bed rest, cigarette smoking, fractures, pregnancy, cancer, heart failure, inherited blood clotting disorder. Medications such as oestrogen and birth control pills can lead to DVT. Conditions like obesity, recent surgery [especially hip, knee, or female reproductive organ surgery], sitting for a long time, such as on a long plane or car trip also are important factors causing DVT. Having family history of deep vein thrombosis, age over 60 years are at higher risk of developing the disease.
Clinical presentation
Deep venous thrombosis [DVT] mainly affects the large veins in the lower leg and thigh. The clot blocks the normal blood flow. If the clot dislodges and moves through the bloodstream, it can get stuck in the brain, lungs, heart, or other area, leading to obstruction, hampering the blood supply causing ischemia and death. Signs and symptoms seen in the leg affected by the deep vein thrombosis includes pain and tenderness while standing or walking, pain often begins in the calf and is cramping type. Changes in skin colour [redness to bluish] in affected leg, increased warmth in affected leg, swelling [oedema] of the affected leg or part.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Doppler ultrasound exam of a limb is useful. D-dimer blood test is recommended. Plethysmography of the legs, venography is advised. Imaging studies such as CT scan and MRI will help in further evaluation.
Treatment
The aim of treatment for deep vein thrombosis is to stop the blood clot from getting bigger, prevent the blood clot from dislodging and reduce the chance of having another blood clot. Treatment involves medicines such as anticoagulants or blood thinners. Thrombolytics in severe cases and when other medications are not working. Vena cava filters may be required in cases where person cannot take blood thinners or if they are not working well. Use of compression stockings contributes further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating DVT. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating DVT.
