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DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS(DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in short, is a blood clot within a deep vein, typically in the calf and thigh veins. Major deep veins circulate blood between the lower body and the heart. Blood clots block proper circulation, causing pain, swelling, and in extremely severe cases can result in death. (Blood clots in superficial veins of the legs are known as superficial thrombophlebitis or phlebitis and are much less serious.)
In severe cases of DVT, the blood clot can break lose and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. In this life threatening condition the clot can block blood flow through the pulmonary arteries and potentially causing a pulmonary embolism. This condition can lead to severe difficulty in breathing and depending on the severity of blockage, possibly death. DVT can also lead to damaged veins, achy, swelling legs and even leg sores. |
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| SYMPTOMS OF DVT |
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Swelling |
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Gradual onset of pain |
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Redness |
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Warm to the touch |
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Worsening leg pain when bending the foot |
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Tenderness in the calf or thigh, especially when moving or touching the area |
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Leg cramps, especially at night |
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Bluish or whitish discoloration of the skin |
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**Small blood clots may not cause symptoms and often, pulmonary embolism is the first sign of DVT. Approximately 30-50% of those with DVT have no symptoms. |
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PREVENTING DVT
Blood clots can form due to inactivity. Some examples include if you are confined to a bed, paralyzed or traveling and must sit while on a long flight. Another cause of deep vein thrombosis could be surgery, an injury, cancer or genetics. |
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Keep legs elevated while sitting down or in bed. |
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Avoid periods of prolonged immobility while traveling. |
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Avoid high dose estrogen pills, unless deemed necessary by your health care provider. |
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Ask your doctor about special compression devices that can be placed on your legs. |
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You may also be advised to wear special elastic graduated support hosiery and stockings that can help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. |
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| *This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments. |
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Edema is simply a medical term for swelling and acts as a general response of the body to injury or inflammation. Swelling occurs when small blood vessels release fluid. Your body tries to compensate for the loss of fluid in your capillaries by retaining water in your kidneys. This over compensation then causes the capillaries to leak even more, creating a cycle of excess fluid throughout the body. As the fluid accumulates, the surrounding tissue swells. Edema occurs most often in the legs because there is constant pressure on them. Various problems can cause peripheral edema in the legs, which may not be related to a specific disease.
SWELLING CAN BE DUE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS SUCH AS:
Venous Insufficiency: One of the most common causes of leg edema, venous insufficiency is caused when the leg veins are unable to effectively move blood back to the heart. This can lead to blood pooling in the feet and legs, which causes increased pressure in the veins and reduced circulation to the superficial tissues of the legs and feet. The result can be mild to severe leg heaviness and aching, unsightly varicose veins, leg edema, and recurrent skin infections and skin ulcerations.
Pregnancy: During pregnancy women generally retain higher amounts of sodium and water. This excess fluid is needed by the fetus and placenta. A buildup of this excess fluid is a common cause of leg edema as well as swelling of the face, feet, and ankles.
Drugs: Various prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause a variety of side effects, which may be one of the causes of leg edema. Such drugs include: |
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Blood pressure medicines |
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Estrogen |
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Calcium channel blockers |
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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
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Thiazolidinediones |
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Corticosteroids |
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Anabolic and androgenic steroids |
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Diseases: Kidney, heart, and liver disease can cause leg edema. |
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Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you notice prolonged leg swelling as it can be a sign of leg edema. Be sure to educate yourself about the causes of leg edema so that you can better understand how to control and treat it. |
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| SYMPTOMS OF EDEMA |
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Swelling or puffiness of the tissue under the skin |
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Stretched or shiny skin |
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Skin that retains a dimple after being pressed for several seconds |
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If you are experiencing any of these signs of edema, please make an appointment to see your health care provider. |
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EDEMA PREVENTION
Blood clots can form due to inactivity. Some examples include if you are confined to a bed, paralyzed or traveling and must sit while on a long flight. Another cause of deep vein thrombosis could be surgery, an injury, cancer or genetics. |
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Keep legs elevated while sitting down or in bed. |
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Avoid periods of prolonged immobility while traveling.
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Avoid high dose estrogen pills, unless deemed necessary by your health care provider.
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Ask your doctor about special compression devices that can be placed on your legs. |
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You may also be advised to wear special elastic graduated support hosiery and stockings that can help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis. |
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*This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments. |
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EDEMA TREATMENT OPTIONS
There are many options for edema treatment and symptom relief. Depending on the cause of your edema, your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend self-care leg edema treatments such as: |
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Wearing a 15-20 mmHg graduated compression stockings to help increase circulation in your legs and feet |
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Lowering your salt intake to help decrease water retention
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Lying down with your feet elevated for at least one hour each day to promote healthy blood flow between your heart and legs
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Taking an over-the-counter diuretic to help reduce the water and sodium retained by your kidneys |
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Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time to relieve the pressure on your legs |
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Walking or exercising to get your blood moving in your legs and feet. |
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| VARICOSE VEINS |
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| Varicose veins most commonly occur in the superficial veins in the legs. The term "varicose veins" refers to veins that have become swollen and/or twisted. Varicose veins cannot only appear unsightly, but can also be painful when standing or walking. Spider veins are usually found in the thighs, ankles, and feet and look like thin web-like lines spread over the surface of the skin. |
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| VARICOSE VEIN SYMPTOMS |
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Ankle swelling |
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Aching legs
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Discoloration around the veins (often blue-brown)
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Dry, itchy skin |
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Tired legs and feet |
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Talk to your doctor or health care provider if you're experiencing painful symptoms of varicose veins so that he or she can help determine the best course of action for your particular case. |
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| VARICOSE VEIN TREATMENT |
| Varicose vein treatment often involves simple self-care. In more severe cases, medical procedures may be needed to treat varicose veins. |
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Graduated compression stockings and socks can help improve circulation |
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Elevating your legs to counter-act the forces of gravity preventing blood flow
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Exercising regularly to promote healthy blood flow and relieve stress on the leg veins
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| In severe cases, medical varicose vein treatments are needed to alleviate the pain and other symptoms of varicose veins. For example: |
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Radio frequency uses heat to destroy biological tissue and close off the varicose veins.
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Sclerotheraphy: During this varicose vein treatment, a medicine is injected into the blood vessels causing them to shrink. This shrinkage reduces the appearance of bulging varicose veins.
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Endovenous Laser Treatment: During endovenous laser treatment a catheter is inserted into the vein, and a laser is used to destroy the varicose vein.
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Surgery: Varicose veins can be removed surgically. Studies have shown that surgery has the lowest recurrence rate of all known varicose vein treatments. |
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To determine the best course of treatment, you should first determine the cause of the condition. Talk to your doctor or health care provider to determine the varicose vein treatment that best addresses your medical needs. |
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| VARICOSE VEINS DURING PREGNANCY |
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| Varicose veins during pregnancy are common due to the added stress on your legs. |
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| Venous disease, or venous insufficiency, is a condition in which there is improper blood flow between your legs and heart. It causes blood to pool in the vessels of your legs. This blood pool can often result in varicose veins during pregnancy. Keeping your legs healthy during pregnancy is important for your overall health and well-being. |
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| It is estimated that up to 40% of all women develop varicose veins during pregnancy, and venous disease can develop as early as six weeks into the pregnancy. In fact, venous disease can sometimes be the first sign of pregnancy. |
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| PREVENT VARICOSE VEINS DURING PREGNANCY |
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Talk to your health care professional |
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Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods of time
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Walk regularly
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Eat a high fiber,balanced diet |
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Control your weight |
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Follow a physician recommended exercise plan. Ask a health care provider about exercises that will help improve blood flow to the legs and feet, therefore reducing your risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy. |
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Avoid high impact aerobics, such as running, jogging, or weight lifting. |
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Keep legs uncrossed while sitting. Crossing your legs reduces circulation. This reduction in circulation can cause varicose veins during pregnancy. |
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Keep legs elevated higher than the heart when resting. This helps the blood return to the heart, reducing the risk of developing pregnancy varicose veins. |
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Don't wear exceptionally tight clothing or girdles |
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When traveling, take time to walk and stretch your legs. This will get your blood moving and reduce your risk of developing varicose veins. |
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Talk to your doctor or health care provider about the causes of varicose veins during pregnancy and treatment options. |
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**This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.
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Sometimes referred to as tired leg syndrome, tired legs and feet can occur as a result of venous insufficiency and can cause heavy or tired feet and legs. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which improper blood flow causes swelling, varicose veins, and/or edema.
Tired feet and legs may also be caused by neuropathy, or nerve damage, causing your legs and feet to feel sore and heavy, and walking may become painful.
PREVENT AND TREAT TIRED LEGS AND FEET
If you're experiencing tired feet or tired leg syndrome, talk to your doctor or health care provider about treatment options. Tired feet and legs can be caused by a variety of different things from leg health problems and swelling to injuries and trauma. Your tired feet may be a symptom of an underlying health condition that should be addressed by a medical professional. Often once the underlying health condition is treated, your symptoms of tired leg syndrome disappear or at least lessen.
If your tired feet and legs are being caused by poor circulation in your legs, you can try simple exercises such as walking to help alleviate the pain. Walking and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing will help improve your circulation. You can also try lying down for at least five minutes at a time a few times throughout the day with your legs elevated above the level of your heart. This will also help improve your circulation by working with gravity to push the blood from your legs to your heart.
Graduated support stockings and socks are often doctor recommended to help prevent and treat tired feet. This special footwear can help energize your tired legs and feet by promoting healthy blood flow between your legs and heart.
This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments. |
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