Blood Clots (Vein clots/superficial vein clots)

Blood clots can form for many different reasons and can also be deadly, and while they can send you into a panic, it is treatable and preventable most of the time. This blog will look at what causes blood clots and how to treat and prevent future blood clots from forming.

It is, however, good to note that seeking professional medical advice is the first and foremost priority.

“When ‘I’ is replaced by ‘we’, even illness becomes wellness.” – Unknown

And on that positive note, let’s look at the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention methods for blood clots.

What causes a blood clot?

A blood clot can be caused by anything obstructing blood flow and preventing it from properly clotting. Blood clots also form when parts of your blood thicken and form a semisolid lump. An injury can trigger a blood clot or occur inside blood vessels that do not necessarily appear injured.

What are the signs in your arm or leg?

• Discolouration or redness of the skin. The arms and legs may go blue or red.
• Swelling. Especially in and around the area where the blood clot forms.
• Tenderness and pain not caused by an injury.
• Skin that is unusually warm to the touch.
• Pain in and around the blood clot area only worsens over time.

What are the signs of a blood clots in the lung?

Blood clots in the lungs generally start when a deep vein in your leg or arm breaks off and makes its way to your lung. Blood clots in the lungs are dangerous and medically called Pulmonary Embolism. The symptoms of a blood clot in the lungs are the following;

• Abrupt coughing.
• Pain in the chest.
• Unusual sweating.
• Shortness of breath and trouble breathing.
• Irregular or faster than normal heartbeat.
• Coughing up blood.

What are the signs in the heart?

• Severe arm or chest pain.
• Trouble breathing that worsens when lying down.
• Profuse sweating.

What are the signs in the kidneys?

Blood clots in the kidneys can prevent them from adequately filtering and removing waste from your body. A blood clot in the kidney can also cause high blood pressure and even kidney failure. Symptoms in the kidney include;

• Severe and sudden swelling in the legs.
• Vomiting and nausea.
• Blood in the urine.
• Fever.
• Trouble breathing.
• High blood pressure.

What are the risk factors?

Blood clots can affect people of all ages, gender, and race. Knowing the risk factors for blood clots reduces your risk of developing them. Risk factors for blood clots are;

• Chronic and long-term diseases such as diabetes or heart and lung disease.
• Knee or hip replacement surgery.
• Overweight.
• Hospitalisation due to surgery or illness.
• Major surgeries such as the pelvis and abdomen.
• Severe trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident.
• Pregnancy, including the first six weeks after the baby has been born.
• Cancer or cancer treatments.
• Vaping/smoking.
• Using birth control methods like patch, rings, or estrogen pills.
• Family history of blood clots.
• Confinement to a wheelchair or a bed.
• Hormone therapy that contains estrogen.
• Over the age of 55 and older.
• Sitting with your legs crossed for extended periods.

How are blood clots diagnosed?

Medical professionals use a few techniques and tests to diagnose blood clots. These are;

• In some cases, a blood test can rule out blood clots.
•  Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a similar imaging procedure to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The MRA imaging test is used by medical professionals and looks specifically for blood clots.
• A CT Scan combines a series of X-ray images of your body, such as your head, abdomen, and chest, to confirm if you have a blood clot. A CT Scan can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms.
• Ultrasound provides a medical professional with a clear view of your veins and blood flow to diagnose accurately or rule out other possible causes for your symptoms.
• A V/Q Scan tests the circulation of blood and air in the veins.

How are blood clots treated?

The ultimate goal of treating blood clots for any medical professional is to prevent the blood clot from breaking loose or getting more prominent. Proper care and treatment can reduce your risk of developing blood clots in the future. Blood clot treatments usually depend on where the blood clot is located and how likely it is that it will cause harm to you. Here are a few of the treatments for blood clots;

1. Compression Socks for blood clots are special socks that help reduce swelling and help prevent blood pooling in the legs. These graduated compression socks are also good for preventative measures against future blood clots.
2. Medications known as Anticoagulants or blood thinners help prevent blood clots from forming. For life-threatening blood clots where a medical professional needs to dissolve them, a drug known as thrombolytics can help dissolve blood clots.
3. Stents may be inserted to keep the blood vessels open as a form of treatment.
4. Medical professionals may opt for surgery to dissolve the blood clot or remove it entirely.
5. If a person cannot take blood thinning medication, a Vena cava filter may be used to prevent blood clots from travelling to the heart or lungs.

How can blood clots be prevented?

We all know the saying, “Prevention is better than cure,” Right? Here are a few ways to prevent blood clots from forming;

1. Seek medical advice and treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and healthy by eating a healthy diet.
3. Do not vape or smoke, or stop smoking and vaping.
4. Maintain a healthy and balanced body weight.
5. Enjoy regular physical activity such as exercise or walking.
6. Wear Compression socks for blood clots.

What are the dos and don’ts after a blood clot?

1. Do: make sure you can watch for signs of another blood clot. Swollen limbs and slight chest pain are normal after blood clot treatments. However, worsening pain in the chest and pain accompanied by numbness in your limbs can be a cause for concern and possibly signal a newly developed blood clot.
2. Do: Know your risk factors for developing this condition. Risk factors include inflammatory disorder, over 55, blood clotting disorder, obesity, overweight, smoking, and vaping.
3. Do: Get moving with some light exercise such as walking or swimming. These activities can boost blood flow and help you feel better. Speak with your medical professional to determine which exercise is right for you.
4. Do: inquire about compression socks for this condition that can help with circulation, keep pressure on your leg, and boost blood flow.
5. Don’t follow an unhealthy diet, as this may adversely affect your blood clot and your medication to treat it.
6. Don’t sit for an extended period. Get up, stretch your legs every 2 hours, and avoid sitting cross-legged.
7. Don’t hurt yourself unnecessarily. When injured, blood thinning medication used to treat this condition can cause severe bleeding.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask your medical practitioner for help; they are there to help treat and advise you through the process and on your road to recovery.

We’re sure that all this information will be valuable. While it may be a lot to take in and absorb, it is always good to know the signs and symptoms of a possible illness so that you can treat it in time and avoid future health setbacks.

Finding a healthcare professional who fully understands this condition’s complex nature, causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures is imperative to your health and well-being. A solid support structure and network of family, friends and medical staff will make all the difference in your healing and recovery journey.

Here at Solidea, South Africa, we take pride in supporting you on your journey to health and recovery. We also strive to provide high-quality blood clot compression socks and a myriad of information to help you identify the signs, symptoms and possible treatments available. We invest in the best products to provide our valuable clients with one of the best options for treating and preventing this condition that may lead to more serious medical conditions.

Until next time, stay healthy, happy, and dancing in those compression socks and stockings available from the product ranges in our online store. Be sure to check us out. We may have compression socks, stockings or shorts that are perfect for you or someone you know!