Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) occurs when there is a clot in one of the large veins of the body, often in the legs, creating discomfort and pain while trying to use that part of the body in daily activities. These blood clots can occur due to several reasons such as genetics, recovery from an injury, or an increased rate of blood clotting.
This condition is relatively dangerous as it can have serious implications. The clots may break loose, enter the bloodstream, and cause significant health concerns. DVT can also result in severe pain in the affected region, such as the legs, which impacts mobility and daily functioning.
Causes
1. Autoimmune disease
2. High body weight that causes stress on the body
3. Varicose veins
4. Lack of movement or sitting for long hours
5. Genetics (or any condition that increases the risk of blood clots in the body)
6. Poor lifestyle choices
Symptoms
• Sudden swelling in the legs or arms
• Tenderness in joints during physical activity
• Redness of the skin
• Abdominal pain
• Sudden onset of headaches; in severe cases, seizures
• Injury to the vein or muscles, leading to clot formation
Diagnosis
1. Diagnosis for DVT involves different steps. A medical professional may first ask about physical symptoms such as swelling, discoloration of the skin, and visible veins. Once these symptoms are confirmed, further tests are conducted to determine the presence of DVT.
2. A D-dimer blood test can be conducted to measure D-dimer levels, a protein produced by blood clots. In most DVT cases, this protein level is elevated. This test can also reveal conditions like pulmonary embolism, stroke, or bloodstream infections
3. Venography may be recommended in rare cases, where a dye is injected into the vein, and an X-ray tracks the clot’s location, if any.
4. Non-invasive ultrasounds are often suggested before venography to identify the clot location and address other concerns related to DVT. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be performed for a more precise diagnosis.
Treatment
Medications:
Blood thinners such as heparin, warfarin, edoxaban, and clot busters are prescribed.
Surgery:
Performed when medications fail to improve the condition. Thrombectomy: In this procedure, the doctor injects a dye to locate the clot using an X-ray. The clot is then removed with the help of a catheter
Thrombectomy:
In this procedure, the doctor injects a dye to locate the clot using an X-ray. The clot is then removed with the help of a catheter.
Inferior vena cava filter:
During this procedure, a surgeon implants a filter into the inferior vena cava. This filter traps blood clots that break loose from veins in the legs, preventing them from traveling to the lungs, where they could cause a pulmonary embolism. While the filter does not treat the clot, it effectively stops it from reaching the lungs.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Compression Therapy
Compression stockings help prevent swelling associated with deep vein thrombosis. These stockings are worn on the legs, from the feet to just below the knees.
Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device
This device helps to relieve edema and prevent blood clots by using cuffs around the legs. The cuffs are inflated with air to squeeze the legs, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of clot formation.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy stimulates a better response in the affected areas, helps re-tone damaged muscles, and employs special compression techniques to assist the body in recovering from the stress caused by DVT.
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises encourage circulation.
For example:
• Foot pumps:
Place the feet flat on the floor, raise the toes toward the body, and hold for a few seconds. Lower the toes and raise the heels, holding for a few seconds.
• Ankle circles:
Lift both feet off the floor and trace circles with the toes.
• Leg raises:
Raise one foot off the floor, straighten the leg slowly, and return it to the floor. Repeat with the other leg. Alternatively, lift the knee to the chest and return the foot to the floor.
• Shoulder rolls:
If the upper body is affected, raise the shoulders, circle them back and down five times, and then reverse the direction.
Strengthening Exercises
These exercises involve light weights and high repetitions. They should only be performed after completing an aerobic warm-up.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises help reduce muscle soreness, increase flexibility, and lower the risk of DVT. Patients are advised to hold each stretch for up to 30 seconds without moving.
Aerobic Exercises
Walking, swimming, dancing, hiking, and jogging can improve symptoms of DVT, such as discomfort and swelling.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, typically in the legs. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing and preventing complications associated with DVT. physiotherapy treatment like aerobic exercises, massage therapy, range of motion exercise etc.
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