Our veins work within a complex system, starting with the dermis layer and traveling through the body’s fat layer to the inner parts of the body. Most people face vein conditions along the superficial areas, such as varicose veins or spider veins. When a blood clot develops in the veins, the deeper layers of veins within the legs and calves are more prone to develop deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Deep vein thrombosis causes leg pain and swelling and is considered a serious condition if left unattended. If you have deep vein thrombosis, then our vein specialists at Vein Center of North Texas can provide many ways to treat it. 

Symptoms and Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis can develop from severe damage to a vein, either from inflammation, infection, injury, or surgery. Anything that stops the blood from flowing or clotting can cause a blood clot, and the more health risks you have, the higher risk you have of developing deep vein thrombosis. These risk factors can include smoking, old age, previous surgeries, inflammatory bowel disease, and pregnancy. When left untreated, DVT can lead to further complications, which include: 

• Pulmonary Embolism: Blood clots can break free from the leg and then circulates back to the blood vessels in the lungs, causing a life-threatening complication. Symptoms of PE include shortness of breath, chest pain while coughing or breathing, feeling faint, and coughing up blood; get immediate medical attention. 
• Venous Thromboembolism: As the third leading cause of heart attacks and strokes and affects over 300,000 people each year, it refers to a blood clot that starts in the vein and is the primary classification of both deep veins thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. 

Despite their severity, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism can be prevented, despite often being overlooked as a major health issue. However, our physicians at the Vein Center of North Texas work to diagnose the early warning signs of venous thromboembolism and provide numerous treatment options to treat blood clots in the veins. 

Treatment Options for Deep Vein Thrombosis

The three main objectives of DVT treatment are to prevent the clot from getting larger, prevent the clot from getting loose and traveling to the lungs, and reduce the chances of another DVT event. Because of these goals, our vein specialists can provide multiple treatment options, including: 

• Thrombolytics: Thrombolytics are used for more serious types of DVT and are delivered through an IV tube and placed directly into the clot to remove or destroy the clot. 
• Blood Thinners: Blood thinners are a common prescription medication used to treat blood clots, and it’s important for patients who take blood thinners regularly to take blood tests to monitor drug levels. 
• Compression Stockings: Compression stockings can be used to prevent blood from pooling in the legs and are used for those who also have chronic venous insufficiency. 
• Inferior Vena Cava Filters: If medications cannot be taken, then a filter can be surgically placed into the vein near the abdomen to prevent clots from lodging into the lungs. 

For more information about our treatment options for deep vein thrombosis, contact the Vein Center of North Texas today to schedule an appointment.