Deep Vein Thrombosis is the silent killer of about 300,000 Americans a year. Many Americans have been directly and indirectly affected by DVT. These deaths are caused by blood clots in the legs and arms making their way to the lungs or brain. It is important to recognize and spread awareness of the early warning signs of these fatal blood clots to make this silent killer more noticeable in time. In remembrance and acknowledgement of those affected by DVT, here are a few resources to further your awareness and options to show support.
Brandon’s Story
“I’m lucky I went to the hospital before it was too late”
Young fit and healthy Brandon began experiencing what he thought was a leg cramp in his calf coming on mid rock climb. Thinking it was exactly that, he sat down and tried to stretch it out but with no success. His pain only began to increase into the night. Brandon did the right thing in researching his symptoms because of his acknowledgement that this was very unusual to be unable to stretch this weird feeling away. Soon the pain increased to where he could barely put any weight on his leg. He knew it could potentially be a blood clot so he decided to head to the doctors.
Nurses and doctors told him it was unlikely to be a blood clot because of his young age and active lifestyle because blood clots are more commonly found in inactive older patients. After a series of blood tests and an ultrasound, it was confirmed that it was in fact a blood clot. He was prescribed two different medications. These medications were blood thinners that have the risk of massive bleeding if one is bruised or cut. This was disheartening for Brandon who frequently surfed, rock climbed, and played soccer. Luckly, after three months of medication the blood clot went away. Brandon was able to resume his beloved activities with a new found appreciation like never before.
Check out Brandon’s video below for the full story
Warning Signs
Pain: While pain can be caused by many factors, be conscious of increasing pain in the legs or arms that are seemingly out of the blue. With DVT leg/ arm pain, the pain will only increase.
If your pain and tenderness you or a loved one is experiencing does not ease up with rest and care, be safe and call your doctor.
Swelling: Access of fluid and tissue build up can cause swelling that can be partnered with other symptoms including soreness, redness, shortness of breath, or rashes. Like above, the swelling will not lessen over time or with care. Call your doctor if it does not subside.
Cramps: This symptom often is not associated with DVT right away because of the confusion of it being a result of dehydration, lack of stretching, or just the out of the blue charlie horse. Unlike those causes of muscles cramps, blood clot muscle cramps will not lessen with time, stretching or rest. Contact your doctor if your leg cramp is persistent and not easing up with time.
Discoloration: One visual warning is a change of color in your skin. In the area of the bloodclot, it will cause a change of color to little or no blood flow. Colors to look out for are redness, blues, and dark blues.
How Orthopedics can Help with DVT
Custom orthotics are the products that keep on giving. In DVT prevention it is important to live a healthy lifestyle, get your blood moving, and maintain a healthy weight. For some, it may be difficult due to pain in your feet or pain in other areas of the body because of foot misalignment. This can prevent the desire to exercise and keep moving, which is key in preventing fatal blood clots. Synergy’s custom orthotics relieve that pain with the fine craftsmanship used for each individual to create much needed relief so you can continue pursuing an active lifestyle.
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