Blood Clots In The Leg – How To Prevent, Cure And Care For Them?

Blood clotting is a natural process that controls the flow of the blood outside in case of a wound or injury in a blood vessel. The process turns the liquidity of the blood to a more gel-like texture that ultimately stops bleeding. This very natural and necessary element can however turn out to be a very concerning situation when blood clots forms inside the blood vessel, obstructing the natural flow of the blood. This is commonly termed Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which often occurs in the legs. Before we start delving into the treatment, let’s get to know the symptoms first.

What Are The Symptoms Of Blood Clots In Leg?

Blood clots can form due to various reasons which include: medical conditions, medications, previous injury, less or no movements after surgeries and a lot more. This healthy process of blood clotting when turns dangerous, can cause several severe medical conditions. Thankfully, recognizing blood clots in legs are not that hard even for a layman. 

• Pain – when a natural blood flow is obstructed, it causes several instances that indicate the person of them. This includes sharp pain. 
• Swelling – the fluid retention caused by the blood clot will generate swelling in the particular region along with pain.
• Discoloration of the skin – our skin appears natural because of a continuous flow of blood which when stops, the area unable to get blood turns into a dark color of bluish-red.
• Tenderness and Warmth – when the body fails to supply blood in a particular area due to an obstruction, it swells and becomes tender while giving a sudden sense of warmth in the region.

If you are facing these symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor and get a professional opinion.

Dissolving the Clots

Hydration – this is the most commonly used prevention and instant home treatment for less severe blood clots in limbs. Dehydration can cause the blood to become thicker and water is very important to maintain blood circulation properly. Sufficient hydration lessens the chances of blood clotting.

Anticoagulants – Blood Thinners. The easiest and the first prescribed medications for blood clots usually (depending on the medical conditions of the patient) contains anticoagulants which can be taken orally (Warfarin) or via injections in blood or intravenously (Enoxaparin or Heparin) depending on the type, necessity and severity. 

Compression Stockings – these tailor-made stockings are more like a natural method that helps to deal with the symptoms and pains of DVT. additionally, with its skillfully crafted elastic mechanism, it directs the blood flow of the lower limbs to the heart, decreasing the swelling and the pain. These stockings require perfect measurements and can be bought from drug stores with or without the help of prescriptions. 

Thrombolytics – these drugs are often called clot-busting or clot-dissolving drugs and for a reason. The sole function of these drugs is to dissolve the clots. However, this is a more matured treatment and not prescribed randomly. In cases where the anticoagulants fail or the clots become too big, thrombolytics are used. Needless to say, they hold their own risks one common of which is excessive bleeding. These drugs are injected intravenously or supplied via a catheter, directly to the location of the clot.

Consider consulting a doctor as fast as possible after recognizing a blood clot. These can often travel upward towards the heat causing several fatal medical conditions. Treating for a wrong disease is nastier than not treating for it at all.
The other methods of removing blood clots are surgical. These are opted for when medications fail and are generally of two types (in case of legs):

• Thrombectomy
• Vena Cava Filters
• Catheter-directed Thrombolysis

How to prevent and care for blood clots?

The best way to lessen the chances of blood clots is by exercising and especially moving the body parts. The most common reason for them forming is prolonged immobility. Often after injuries or surgeries, prolonged immobility and bed rest are the times when we blatantly ignore the minimal exercises recommended by the doctors which skyrocket the chances of blood clotting. Some other methods include making a diet that is rich in protein, bromelain, rutin, garlic and onions produce some amounts of thromboxane, adenosine which help to dissolve clots. 

Smoking increases the chances of blood clotting. Birth control pills can also form blood clotting in some cases. Knowing the causes results in better prevention. 

Also Read – How To Lose Belly Fat For Kids?