Image Source: Everyday Health
In a human body, every organ requires blood to function properly. Any disturbance in this blood flow may cause severe issues. Different anomalies can cause this problem. One such anomaly is a blood clot.
A blood clot is a part of your blood that becomes thick and forms a gel-like structure. This is a critical problem. Several diseases can arise when such a situation occurs. And, sometimes the person can even die.
This semi-solid blood prevents the flow and causes an accumulation of blood. This creates a lot of pressure in that area. As a result of which various complications arise. One of the major areas of clots in the legs. If left untreated, the part of the leg is amputated.
We will further discuss this topic in detail. This will give an insight into this medical issue and how you can treat it.
Leg blood clots mostly happen due to inactivity. If you do not move your body parts, then the blood doesn’t flow properly. This can also happen after accidents. IF the leg is in a completely stationary position, then the blood coagulates. In some cases, the patient might suffer from deep vein thrombosis. This is a type of blood clot formed inside the deep veins of the body.
In any scenario, blood clot in the leg is an extremely unfortunate event. The person is not able to move properly. Furthermore, the leg may slowly become numb and lose all the sensation. In the final stage, the complete leg has to be removed.
• Obesity: This is the main cause of almost every disease in the human body.
• Smoking: The pathway inside our veins narrows down. Thus, restricting the flow of blood.
• Cancer: A tumor or cancer cells can promote blood coagulation.
• Eating habits: Consuming too many calories from unhealthy food can further spread this problem.
• Extended resting period: If your body part is inactive for a long duration, then the blood stops flowing and accumulates in one place.
• Lifestyle: Anxiety, stress, depression, and all the bad life choices can cause clotting.
Your doctor may use several methods to identify blood clot. These methods can be divided into two parts:
Physical examination:
• Numbness: The area having a clot might lose all the sensation. This happens due to zero blood flow in the organs.
• Swelling: A swollen area is a sign of an underline disease. The doctor may use a stethoscope to hear any abnormality under the skin.
• Pain: The patient might feel severe pain due to the damage caused by clots.
• Redness and warmth: To remove the coagulated blood, the body will try to put pressure on that area. This is done by forcing blood through the targeted part. Therefore, the area becomes warm and red.
Organ test
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a basic technique of displaying the internal system of the body. High-energy sound waves are passed in the targeted area. These waves reflect from the organs and display an image on the screen. This is a noninvasive method of finding any underlying disease.
• CT Scan: Computerized tomography is a similar process to an X-ray test. In this method, several X-rays are passed through a body. This, combined with a special dye, shows an image.
• Angiogram: This is an invasive test. It requires a thin tube known as a catheter that is inserted inside the specific artery.
Several other tests are performed to check the condition of the patient’s leg.
The blood clot in leg treatment is done by using medications and surgery. Your doctor will operate using several methods to remove the clot. The main objective is to remove the clot or restrict it from entering other parts of the body. Apart from this, different medications are given to the patient.
Blood thinners: These are anticoagulant medicines that make your blood thinner. This medication helps in proper blood flow.
Thrombolytic drugs: Such type of drugs is given in serious cases of thrombosis. If the basic medicines do not work, then thrombolytic medicine is given using a catheter. This drug completely cleans the clot. But sometimes it may cause severe bleeding.
Filters: To prevent the clot from spreading, a filter is inserted inside a large vein. This method filters the clot present in an area.
Compression stockings: These are given to cure swelling of the leg. The patient has to wear this for several months.
In most cases, a normal surgery or surgical thrombectomy is needed to treat blood clots. Many hospitals provide these treatments. However, do check the reviews and verify all the necessary details about the vascular surgeon. You can also have a one-on-one conversation with the doctor. Also, share every possible detail about your health. If you are on some medications, please mention that before the surgery.
Jenny Clarke is a professional writer, blogger at the SEO company in India, who writes for a variety of online publications. She loves writing blogs and promoting websites related to education, beauty, fashion, travel, health and technology sectors.