DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
Overview
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg. DVT can be dangerous. Get medical help as soon as possible if you think you have DVT.
Symptoms
Symptoms of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) in the leg are: throbbing pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh, when walking or standing upswelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)warm skin around the painful areared or darkened skin around the painful area – this may be harder to see on brown or black skinswollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them These symptoms can also happen in your arm or tummy if that's where the blood clot is.
Treatment
You may have an injection of a blood-thinning medicine called heparin while you're waiting for an ultrasound scan to see if you have a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). The main treatments include: blood-thinning medicines, such aswarfarinorrivaroxaban– you'll probably need to take these for at least 3 monthssurgery to remove blood clots or stop them forming If you get aDVT when you're pregnant, you'll have injections for the rest of the pregnancy and until your baby is 6 weeks old.
Prevention
There are things you can do to lower your chance of getting DVT (deep vein thrombosis). stay a healthy weight stay a healthy weight stay active – taking regular walks can help stay active – taking regular walks can help drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – DVT is more likely if you're dehydrated drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – DVT is more likely if you're dehydrated do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so do not cross your legs while you're sitting do not cross your legs while you're sitting do not smoke do not smoke do not drink lots of alcohol do not drink lots of alcohol