It is not surprising that the prevention of thrombosis has recently gained such high popularity. Both healthcare workers and patients are seriously concerned about massive outbreaks of blood clots among the population. In this regard, even the most famous luminaries of medicine believe that information about preventive measures for this pathology should be freely available.
The disease can occur in a person, regardless of his gender and age. Its appearance is provoked by previous childbirth, injuries to the limbs, as well as common ARVI. Unfortunately, the rupture of a blood clot ends in death for the patient. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to follow simple preventive measures.
Medicines and blood clot prevention
Medicines can be prescribed to the patient both for general prevention of blood clots and to prevent their occurrence in the postoperative period. In total, medicine knows several types of drugs that prevent blood clots from forming.
- Direct acting anticoagulants. Drugs in this category belong to heparin derivatives. Their use is possible only with the permission of the attending physician. If use is inappropriate or incorrect, the patient may experience bleeding inside the vessels.
- Anticoagulants of indirect action. The functionality of drugs of this type is responsible for stopping the liver’s production of substances that are responsible for increased lymph clotting. They are special in that the therapeutic effect does not become noticeable immediately. At first, the patient is prescribed a course of injections, and after a while he is switched to tablets.
- Antiplatelet agents. These drugs significantly reduce the number of potential blood clots through platelet aggregation. The most accessible representatives of this group include regular aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). They are prescribed to patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, angina pectoris or ischemic stroke.
Bypass surgery as a prevention of thrombosis
Vascular bypass surgery is a type of surgery done to direct blood flow to healthier arteries.
Installing a shunt (or several shunts) ensures that the outflow of blood will occur through healthy veins and not through damaged blood clots. This technique is needed to prevent the formation of even larger blood clots in already affected vessels.
Preventing blood clots after surgery
If the patient has undergone surgery for thrombosis, then the first thing the doctor does after it is prescribe anticoagulant medications to the patient. For deep blood clots, Clexane and Craxiparine have an excellent effect. These drugs have the greatest influence on the pharmaceutical market.
To ensure that the patient does not develop a new vein clot after surgery, he will be given appropriate advice.
- To combat thrombosis, take the first steps almost immediately after surgery. Problems with blood vessels will not arise if you start doing therapeutic exercises after a short period of time.
- Be sure to use elastic bandages to secure the blood vessels for 3 days after the intervention. Don't forget that you won't be able to get out of bed without putting on compression garments first.
- If the stage of the disease and financial situation allow, insist on minimally invasive operations. Their advantage is that the risks of relapse are reduced, and recovery after the intervention occurs faster.
Diagnostic measures
When a person suspects that deep vein disease has occurred in the legs, it is important to contact a medical facility as soon as possible. First of all, the doctor conducts a survey of the patient, during which he finds out how long ago the signs of thrombosis appeared. The patient is then sent for venography, which is an X-ray examination of the venous vessels using a contrast agent. The study makes it possible to detect a decrease in the lumen of the vein, as well as a rough inner surface resulting from the formation of cholesterol plaques.
In addition, the doctor conducts functional tests. The patient is placed on his back and the lower limbs are bent at the knees. The physician performs passive movement of the feet, which may cause pain in the calf. This symptom indicates thrombosis. They resort to the Lowenberg test, during which a sphygmomanometer cuff is placed on the middle part of the lower leg and the pressure in it is increased. The occurrence of pain below the cuff indicates the occurrence of thrombosis. Pay attention to the appearance of unpleasant sensations in the ankle during sneezing or coughing.
Read also: Varicose veins inside the abdomen
In addition, to make a diagnosis of venous thrombosis of the lower extremities, the patient will need to undergo examinations such as:
Diet against thrombosis
Authoritative nutritionists believe that high-quality prevention of vascular thrombosis is possible only when the patient monitors his diet. If you're wondering how to avoid thrombosis, check out the tips below.
- Perhaps there is no better way to prevent vein thrombosis than regular consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits in season.
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis will be successful if you include dairy cuisine in your diet - homemade cottage cheese, kefir, low-fat sour cream.
- When it comes to meat consumption, a blood clot is less likely to form in a vessel if you prefer lamb or young beef, as well as poultry.
- Vascular pathologies cannot form in the limbs if a person consumes fiber in large quantities. It not only lowers cholesterol, but also normalizes stomach function.
Eat seafood!
Scientists have proven that a diet that contains a sufficient amount of seafood perfectly prevents blood clots.
The Omega-3 element, which is extremely important for the body, can combat the formation of stagnation and also prevent thrombosis.
This substance quickly thins excessively thick blood, which is important in the prevention of blood clots.
In addition to proper nutrition, adults and children are prescribed a course of fish oil. You need to take it twice a day, 1 teaspoon.
Flavonoids in the fight against thrombosis
As many dishes on your table as possible should have garlic or ginger among their ingredients. These plants act against the formation of blood clots in blood vessels due to the content of flavonoids.
Vascular thrombosis in the deep vein will not be scary for you if you love grapes and also drink 50 ml of natural red wine with dinner. Such measures can prevent blood clots even better than some drugs.
What to exclude from the diet?
Errors in nutrition have a great influence on the prevention of such a dangerous disease as thrombophlebitis. If a patient has been diagnosed with DVT (deep vein thrombosis), he will have to give up certain foods. These include:
- margarine or butter;
- bakery;
- pork meat and lard;
- milk chocolate;
- smoked and pickled foods;
- hard cheese.
Note! Vein disease most often occurs in those people who do not control their sugar intake. If there is such a possibility, then this product should be abandoned altogether. A high amount of carbohydrates in the body can damage the blood clotting system.
Everyday preventive measures
In order to prevent thrombosis, it is necessary to follow simple measures to prevent this disease, which relate to our daily life.
Rejection of bad habits
It's no secret that bad habits themselves negatively affect the functioning of the entire body. People who often drink alcohol and also smoke cigarettes put their blood vessels at great risk.
If thrombosis has already begun or to prevent the disease, also avoid drinking strong tea or coffee.
Constant movement
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is unacceptable if you already have problems with blood clots. Moderate physical activity will also be an excellent prevention of their formation.
If you are the owner of a quiet office profession, then in your free time from work you need to lead an active lifestyle. Try to walk more, you can also do swimming or yoga.
Travel behavior
If you have a long journey in a car or plane that cannot be avoided, do everything possible to prevent vascular disease.
To prevent blood clots from forming after such events, it is necessary to purchase a pack of elastic bandages in advance. Also remember to drink enough water along the way.
Thermal impact
If you are serious about preventing heart and vascular diseases, then you should avoid almost all thermal manipulations.
Frequent visits to the bathhouse or sauna are unacceptable. Sudden changes in temperature provoke vasospasm, which causes blood clots to form. You should not test your body’s strength, increasing the risk of blood clots.
Read also: Thrombosis of the iliofemoral segment is not typical
Doctor's examinations
Among patients who have already encountered the problem of blood clots, it is customary to visit a phlebologist for prevention 2 to 4 times a year.
This is done to ensure that there are no relapses of the disease, and you also need to try to detect small blood clots that appear in time.
It is possible that the patient will be advised to take folic acid or similar medications as a preventative measure. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents also have a good effect.
Taking vitamins
In order to prevent the formation of blood clots in blood vessels, it is necessary to maintain the correct vitamin balance in the body.
What to do if you can’t replenish your supply of vitamins through food? Your doctor will recommend special medications that you need to take to prevent blood clots from bothering you. If a person is suspected of thrombosis, he will be prescribed vitamins E and B.
Folk prevention
You can prevent excessive blood thickness, as well as subsequent blood clots, with the help of herbal decoctions made from natural ingredients.
Both eating berries and preparing a drink from them brings human blood to its physiological state. Healthy ingredients include cranberries, black currants, blackberries, viburnum berries, and sea buckthorn.
Tea made from raspberries and blueberry leaves has gained great trust in alternative medicine.
Drinking a drink of ginger and lemon in the morning will bring great benefits. As an alternative, you can use clover tincture.
These drinks effectively cleanse veins and blood vessels, preventing painful plaques from settling on their walls.
Another effective preventive remedy is topical creams or tinctures for drinking from chestnut fruits.
You can significantly improve blood circulation through the vessels with the help of birch buds, raspberry and linden leaves, sweet clover or hawthorn. Dill is also very popular in this regard. Before you start using any product, you must obtain the approval of your doctor.
The specialist will tell you which dosage will be most correct for you, as well as how long treatment should be carried out. It also wouldn’t hurt to conduct a home test for sensitivity to the components of the product. To do this, apply a small amount to your wrist or elbow.
Today, increased thrombus formation is a real problem for patients at risk. If prevention of blood clots is not carried out, the patient may even face death. Thrombosis prevention needs to be communicated to the masses of the public.
People definitely need to know how to protect themselves from blood clots and this insidious disease in general. Stagnation of blood in the vessels negatively affects the functioning of the heart, and over time can lead to a heart attack. A specialist can explain in detail how to prevent the formation of blood clots in your case. As a rule, with a proper lifestyle and sports activity, the patient does not require medications.
Pain in the leg pulls on a vein and vein - what to do and how to treat it at home
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What to do if pain begins in your leg, as if a vein or vein is being pulled. Why sometimes a vein or vein is pulled, how to treat below the knee, what to do first. Recommendations for relieving leg pain, what ointment to buy and what diseases you should pay attention to. All detailed recommendations are in our article.
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Leg pain is not a rare occurrence. There are many reasons, as well as consequences. The human body is a complex mechanism. When diseases occur, signals appear. One of them is pain.
The nature of the pain makes it clear what is going on in the body.
- If the pain is dull, the signal means the development of varicose veins. Varicose veins are venous stagnation. The valves stop functioning. Blood flows through the veins with complexity. The veins stretch and become visible.
- Throbbing or nagging pain, burning under the skin in the calf muscles, swelling are signs of thrombophlebitis. Formation of a blood clot in a vein.
- The calf muscle hurts. Squeezing pain that gets worse when walking. The effect of cold feet regardless of the weather. These kinds of signs indicate atherosclerosis of the artery. Fatty formations that narrow the arteries disrupt blood microcirculation.
- If the pain occurs in distant areas from the source (radiating) from the spine along the back of the leg to the heel, this indicates a pinched spine or inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The limb is troubling, but the cause is the back and lower back.
- Aching nature of the pain. The frequency and area of manifestation does not change - there is an injury, bruise or sprain.
- If there is a sharp pain in the lower leg, an increase in temperature, redness may occur - a manifestation of erysipelas.
- You feel the pulse, pulling veins or veins, bursting - possibly thrombosis or a purulent inflammatory process.
- Acute pain in the left leg - myositis.
- If severe pain is constant and worsens with movement, it is osteomyelitis. When there is infectious purulent inflammation in the inert tissues.
- Cramps, swelling, numbness, tingling, dry, bursting skin indicate diabetes.
- Your legs get tired and hurt when you take off your shoes - this is a consequence of flat feet. The muscles are weak, the ligaments have lost shock absorption. It is painful to walk without orthopedic shoes.
And many other manifestations of pain indicate serious illness. Contact a therapist who can study your medical history in more detail and refer you to a specialist.
Why does a vein or vein in the leg sometimes pull?
In the evening, after water treatments, go to bed and relax your legs. A vein or vein is pulled, the foot hurts. Discomfort that prevents you from falling asleep indicates thrombophlebitis.
Inflammation of the walls of the veins and the formation of a blood clot.
A blood clot sounds scary, as do the consequences if you don’t want to treat. In the early stages, the disease is treated with a complex of drugs for internal and external use.
Contact a specialist at the first manifestations of the disease. The vascular surgeon will prescribe an ultrasound, blood test, and angioscanning. The examination will make it possible to choose the optimal treatment.
Tablets or capsules help improve blood circulation and quality and break up blood clots. Gels or creams provide local treatment and relieve pain. Sports and massage bring the body back to normal. Muscles are toned.
In advanced states of the disease, surgical intervention cannot be avoided. The latest technologies make treatment painless and quick. In the morning you undergo the procedure, in the evening you are home. One day in the life and you are healthy.
But sometimes you have to carry out a complex of operations. This cannot be avoided without chronic consequences. Don't waste your health in vain!
How to treat below the knee from the outside
Many athletes or amateurs complain of pain below the knee on the outside. It's not the bone that hurts. This is an inflammatory process of the protective layer around the bone. The reason is very simple - overload. Injury or sprain. Due to incorrect shoes or lack of warm-up.
Gels or ointments with anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment lasts about a week. Then they start with small loads, warming up.
Such pain is observed in people who are far from physical activity. Then it is necessary to check with a doctor. The cause of pain may be an inflammatory or infectious process.
An accurate diagnosis can be made and treatment can be prescribed only after a thorough examination: blood test, urine test, ultrasound or x-ray, and other types of diagnostics.
Treatment while walking
Pain overcomes when walking and makes you limp, there are many reasons. Chronic flat feet, ingrown toenails, calluses, heel spurs or sciatic nerve inflammation, joint arthritis, plantar fasciitis or osteoporosis.
In order to get rid of discomfort, find out the true cause of the pain.
Visit a doctor and get examined. MRI, ultrasound, x-ray or angioscanning. Take a blood and urine test. The results will help you understand what kind of disease has struck you. The doctor will select individual treatment. Physical rehabilitation course and massages (if necessary).
It is important to get rid of bad habits and switch to a healthy diet. The body will rejuvenate and thank you with tissue regeneration. Recovery will be accelerated.
Pain in the leg below the knee in the back of the calf
Pain in the back of the knee - Baker's cyst. Signs: the patient is over 40 years old, the tumor in the fossa under the knee becomes visible when the leg is straightened. A tumor is formed as a result of an inflammatory process. Excess liquid collects and pushes the shell out.
Treatment consists of removing the fluid and introducing a glucocorticoid hormone, rest, elastic bandages when walking, pills and physiotherapy.
The cause of pain under the knee is problems with the meniscus:
- meniscus cyst - a consequence of injury;
- Meniscus tear - the leg bends, stability is impaired.
Treatment consists of mandatory rest, an elastic bandage on the lower joint, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
If the meniscus is damaged, 90% of patients require surgical intervention.
The operation will not create problems. The technologies of our time make it possible to carry out a painless procedure, leave no traces and get the patient back on his feet quickly.
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis
Thrombosis (or thrombophlebitis) of veins is the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in the lumen of a vessel, which can cause circulatory problems in the corresponding part of the body. More often, thrombosis develops in the veins of the lower extremities, which is associated with the characteristics of blood circulation in these organs.
Risk factors for the development of venous thrombosis:
- overweight;
- genetic predisposition;
- physical inactivity;
- injuries of the lower extremities (fractures, severe bruises);
- varicose veins;
- age over 40 years;
- taking hormonal medications;
- pregnancy and childbirth;
- gnecological diseases and operations.
People of different categories are at risk of developing thrombosis:
- men who smoke and abuse alcohol for many years;
- with a sedentary lifestyle, spending a lot of time in a sitting position;
- persons whose lifestyle is associated with stressful situations, which is accompanied by the release of adrenaline and disruption of the blood vessels;
- taking medications that affect blood clotting.
Depending on the location of thrombophlebitis, it affects the superficial or saphenous veins of the legs, or the deep veins - iliac, femoral and popliteal.
Deep vein thrombosis of the legs can cause the development of dangerous conditions and a significant decrease in quality of life. A blood clot detached from the wall can cause the development of pulmonary embolism, acute heart attack, stroke and other serious conditions. Therefore, timely treatment and prevention of deep vein thrombosis is so important.
In order not to bring the pathology to a state of exacerbation, it is necessary to concentrate efforts on preventive measures in its early stages. They will not only help stop the development of the process, but will also help maintain healthy veins of the lower extremities for many years. Phlebologists recommend the following:
- At the first signs of beginning circulatory problems in the legs (swelling, pain after exercise and at night, cramps), use compression garments. Such underwear is worn not only during the treatment of thrombophlebitis, but also as a preventative measure for the disease. Modern compression garments do not attract the attention of strangers.
- Monitor the amount of liquid consumed. To reduce the risk of blood clots, you need enough water to prevent thickening of the blood. Doctors recommend drinking at least 2 liters of water per day.
- Give your body optimal loads throughout the day. This could be walking, doing exercises on exercise machines, walks in the park, running (if your health allows). Active physical activity on the body for 30 minutes can reduce the risk of blood clots several times.
- Monitor your diet. The daily menu should include vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, which tends to strengthen vascular walls.
- Use a contrast shower or contrast foot baths as vascular therapy. Fluctuations in water temperature help train the vascular system as a whole and the venous system of the legs as well.
Features of the treatment of thrombophlebitis
Deep vein thrombosis is treated in a complex manner, where an important focus is measures to prevent pulmonary embolism and chronic venous insufficiency.
Patients are prescribed anticoagulants:
- Heparin injections;
- Warfarin, in the first two days.
The administration of drugs should be under appropriate control of the function of the blood coagulation system. Patients with thrombosis are prescribed antithrombotic therapy with heparin for 7-14 days. It is administered intravenously by stream, or drip, or in fractional doses every 4 hours. Warfarin is prescribed in dosages of 10-20 mg per day, upon reaching a certain level of prothrombin time. Once this is achieved, heparin is discontinued and maintenance therapy with warfarin is prescribed.
Along with anticoagulants, streptokinase or urokinase are prescribed, which in combination therapy give a good absorbable thrombolytic effect.
The patient is prescribed bed rest with the legs elevated. Compression bandaging of the legs or special orthopedic stockings is necessary. Special gymnastics are prescribed for the ankle joint.
In difficult cases, when conservative treatment is not effective, thrombectomy is performed, an operation to remove a blood clot from a vein. It is performed using a special catheter.
Read also: Selenium for varicose veins
Folk remedies for the prevention of venous thrombosis
Doctors also recommend using traditional methods to eliminate and prevent thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities: herbal decoctions, compresses, wraps, rubbing, etc.
Popular folk recipes for thrombosis of the leg veins:
- Alcohol tincture of white acacia flowers . It relieves swelling and pain in the legs. To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of dry inflorescences and leave it in 100 grams of alcohol for 10 days in a shaded, dry place. Use as a rub when performing massage of the lower extremities.
- Tincture of white cinquefoil roots for internal use. The crushed roots of the plant (2 tablespoons) are filled with a half-liter bottle of high-quality vodka or medical alcohol. Infuse the roots for 21 days in a shaded, cool place. As treatment and prevention, use 1 teaspoon of tincture 3 times a day for a month.
- A decoction of oak bark , which has anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. To prepare it, you need to pour 1 kg of raw material with 5 liters of water and put it on low heat for 40-60 minutes. The decoction is used as an additive to foot baths. The water for them should be warm, not hot. The feet are kept in water for half an hour. The procedure is recommended to be carried out before bedtime for 2-3 weeks. After a break of one week, it is advisable to repeat the course of therapeutic baths.
- Propolis , which is taken in the form of a tincture, strengthens the body's immune forces. It is also taken in dry form - 5 g in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Fish oil helps destroy fibrin deposits in blood vessels, which become the basis for the formation of blood clots. It is also a good blood thinner. For preventive purposes, it is taken 1 capsule per day.
An equally important point in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities is the adjustment of lifestyle. You will have to change some habits and set certain prohibitions for yourself:
- You cannot lift heavy loads and objects, or engage in sports that involve heavy loads on your legs (football, skiing, running, high and long jumps), or lifting weights (barbell press). Aerobic sports are recommended - swimming, cycling, walking.
- High-heeled shoes are contraindicated for women. If you can’t give it up completely, then you need to reduce the use of such shoes as much as possible.
- You can't gain excess weight. It is important to monitor the composition of the menu and include more fortified foods. You should limit your intake of high-calorie foods and stick to the prescribed diet.
- Reduce your stay in a static position - sitting or standing. If it is related to work, then you need to perform unloading physical exercises that relieve static tension in the leg muscles. There are special exercises for this: bending and straightening your toes, rolling a tennis ball with your foot, grasping small objects with your toes, etc.
- It is advisable to exclude alcohol and smoking.
- Regularly, at least once a year, you need to be examined by a vascular surgeon and monitor the ultrasound of the veins of the lower extremities.
- At the end of the day, it is important to give your feet some rest and relaxation. To do this, you need to put a pillow under them during sleep or make a special elevation for them on the bed.
Symptoms
Common signs of the disease include:
- Feeling of heaviness in the calves.
- Painful sensations.
- Decreased sensitivity of the legs, numbness.
- Change in skin color from reddish to pale blue.
- The skin takes on an unhealthy, glossy, tense appearance.
- Change in the patient's temperature towards an increase.
With thrombophlebitis of the leg, symptoms may vary depending on the location of the affected vessels.
Blockage of subcutaneous vessels usually develops with varicose veins, accompanied by redness of the skin surface, moderate pain, swelling, inflammation, and an increase in body temperature to 37.5-38 degrees.
If superficial thrombophlebitis is treated correctly, the inflammatory process goes away quickly, blood flow is restored after 2-3 weeks, and the patient’s condition returns to normal.
Acute thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the leg is much more severe, the signs look like this:
- Acute pain occurs in the muscle where the thrombosed vessel is located.
- The local temperature at the site of inflammation increases.
- The patient's general body temperature reaches 38-39 degrees.
- There is an increased filling of subcutaneous vessels with blood due to disruption of blood flow.
- The patient complains of severe weakness, malaise, and loss of strength.
Acute deep thrombophlebitis of the left leg poses an increased danger to the patient’s life in the form of thromboembolism of the cardiac artery.
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after phlebectomy
Phlebectomy is an operation performed to normalize venous blood flow. Possible postoperative complications include the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Prevention of thrombosis after phlebectomy is as follows:
- Limit prolonged stay in a horizontal position. Blood should not stagnate in the veins, so the patient must lead an active lifestyle. In the first days after surgery, the load on the legs should be minimized, but then gradually restored to the optimal level.
- Wear lower limb compression products for at least 2 weeks. Compression classes of products for each patient are determined by the attending physician.
- Take anticoagulants (heparins) and local medications: ointments, compresses. The postoperative rehabilitation treatment regimen is prescribed by the attending physician individually for each patient.
- Engage in rehabilitation exercise therapy. Swimming in the pool, walking, and cycling are recommended.
In the postoperative period, in order to prevent thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, the following are not recommended:
- heavy physical activity on the legs;
- visiting a steam bath and sauna;
- alcohol consumption.
Choice of treatment tactics
Treatment for thrombosis should begin immediately after diagnosis. Treatment tactics will differ depending on the stage of the disease. There are three stages: acute period, subacute and chronic stage. The acute period is considered the most difficult in terms of therapy.
The following treatment options are available:
- Conservative (therapeutic) therapy. Includes taking anticoagulants, which thin the blood. These drugs include heparin and warfarin. During drug therapy, it is recommended to remain in bed.
- Operative (surgical) treatment. The main purpose of surgery is to remove the blood clot. In some cases, manipulations with the affected vein and the application of an arteriovenous shunt are also performed.
- Prevention of the spread of thrombosis. This includes wearing compression stockings, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, moderate physical activity, and reducing excess body weight.
Treatment of thrombophlebitis can also be conservative and surgical. The basis of conservative therapy is the use of NSAIDs - anti-inflammatory drugs. They quickly relieve inflammation and have an analgesic effect.
Patients can lead a normal lifestyle and walk without restrictions. Stationary conditions should be avoided: standing or sitting for long periods of time. Bed rest is also optional.
Compression therapy is mandatory. The lower extremities must be covered with elastic bandages or compression stockings.
After the inflammation has been treated, physiotherapeutic procedures begin. Short-wave diathermy, magnetic therapy, and electrophoresis are used.
If the disease has spread far and affected the great saphenous vein throughout the leg, then surgical treatment is used.
Prevention of thrombosis
Prevention of thrombosis helps prevent the formation of blood clots in the vessels. In certain cases, blood clots dissolve on their own. If this does not happen, the clots become fixed on the wall of the vessel and then grow in size.
The most dangerous are thrombosis of the veins in the legs and blood vessels of the heart. That is why prevention of thrombosis of blood vessels of the lower extremities and heart is extremely important.
Course of the disease
Thrombosis is characterized by gradual development. Initially, the intima of the vessel undergoes destruction, this is the result of the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque on which blood fragments accumulate. Due to the growing clot, the lumen of the vessel narrows, thus reducing blood circulation and slowing down the blood flow in large veins. As a result, thrombosis of the arteries of the lower extremities is formed leading to complications:
- tissue ischemia;
- gangrene and loss of limb;
- toxemia and death.
Due to the high risk of complications, it is extremely important to provide the patient with qualified medical care in a timely manner. The severity of the disease is directly dependent on the blockage of a particular main vessel, the possibility of bypass blood flow and the condition of the collaterals. For example, thrombosis of the femoral artery can provoke extremely dangerous consequences, because other vessels are not able to deliver fresh blood (oxygen and nutrients) to the site of damage. When thrombosis of the posterior tibial artery occurs, there are no serious consequences due to the presence of a well-developed collateral blood network.
Who needs prevention of vascular thrombosis?
Caution is recommended:
- men over 40 years old,
- women during menopause,
- obese people
- patients with heart and vascular diseases (who have had a stroke, heart attack),
- patients with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.
Also at risk are people who have had surgery, have an unhealthy diet, or have illnesses that cause blood to thicken. Smokers and people with alcohol addiction should be wary of the disease; everyone who moves little experiences constant stress, which is reflected in the hormonal background.
Risks of thrombosis
Blood clots form due to external and internal reasons. External injuries include injuries that disrupt the integrity of blood vessels. This can happen even with normal blood clotting or a predisposition to high levels of clotting.
Internal causes of blood clots include changes in blood proteins that are involved in clotting. We are talking about thrombophilia, when the number of proteins and their structure changes. Thrombophilia can be congenital or acquired.
Blood clots can form due to varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the arteries, due to which the structure of the vessels is disrupted, and blood clots settle on their walls. If you understand the causes of blood clots, it is easier to prevent the development of the disease.
Factors of occurrence
Thrombophlebitis of the lower leg usually develops due to three main reasons:
- Increased thickness and accelerated blood clotting.
- Violation of healthy blood flow, the normal flow of which occurs in two directions.
- Damage to the venous endothelium due to varicose veins, after injection surgery, against the background of trauma.
Social factors for the occurrence of thrombosis include:
- Varicose veins in later stages of development.
- Excess body weight.
- Long-term hormone therapy, taking contraceptives.
- Elderly age.
- Operations on blood vessels and tissues of the legs, injections, traumatic injuries.
- The patient has a history of severe infectious diseases: typhus, tuberculosis.
- Oncological diseases.
- Prolonged physical inactivity.
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapy.
- Unhealthy diet, preference for foods that increase blood viscosity.
- Habit of drinking alcohol and tobacco products.
Thrombosis prevention and treatment
If a person is at risk of developing thrombosis, it is necessary to be constantly monitored by the attending physician. Certain medications may be prescribed to prevent the disease. If we are talking about treatment, then it involves the simultaneous fulfillment of several conditions:
- It is necessary to thin the blood. To do this, patients take medications that contain acetylsalicylic acid. You should only select medications together with a doctor: acting on your own is dangerous to your health and life.
- It is important to strengthen blood vessels. To do this, you need drugs with active ingredients, including vitamin C. These products include a dietary supplement - a complex of venotonic vitamins and plant extracts “Normaven”. It helps maintain the strength and elasticity of blood vessels.
- Blood purification is required (with the help of special medications). All these measures help prevent the development of the disease.
Read also: Platelets for thrombosis
Diagnostic measures
If there are any signs of thrombophlebitis, you should immediately contact an angiosurgeon or phlebologist.
After the initial examination, the doctor will prescribe a set of diagnostic measures to establish an accurate diagnosis, the location of the blood clot, and the presence of flotation.
- A general blood test to diagnose the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Coagulogram – shows the rate of blood clotting.
- Doppler ultrasound helps to establish the area of thrombus formation, the degree of disturbance of blood flow, and the condition of the venous walls.
- X-ray contrast method. During this study, a contrast agent is introduced into the vessel cavity, the contact of which with X-ray rays makes it possible to identify the condition of the vessel wall, the location of the thrombus attachment, and the degree of blood flow disturbance.
Thrombosis prevention and nutrition
Prevention of venous thrombosis of the lower extremities includes a balanced and healthy diet. It is not difficult to observe: it is enough to limit the consumption of salt, smoked foods, fried and fatty foods, sausages and other unhealthy foods. Junk foods should be replaced with vegetables and fruits, meat and low-fat fish.
The diet requires the presence of berries in the diet. It is useful to eat oatmeal, rice broth, flaxseed and olive oils, dishes with ginger and citrus fruits. It is imperative to drink your daily fluid intake - about 1.5-2 liters of clean drinking water.
What is it advisable to give up? It is worth limiting the consumption of meat broths, white bread, and dairy cream. Certain types of sausage and fruit (especially bananas) can contribute to blood thickening. You need to be careful when taking medicinal herbs: too many herbal infusions can give a negative result.
You should not abuse alcohol, you must stop smoking. The risk group also includes people who uncontrollably take hormonal and diuretic drugs and contraceptives.
Prevention of thrombosis after surgery
Prevention of thrombosis after surgery is placed in a separate category. It is performed on all patients who require surgical intervention. The degree of risk of developing the disease does not matter here.
Prevention of deep vein thrombosis after surgery includes:
- preference towards minimally invasive operations performed quickly and with minimal tissue trauma;
- wearing special compression knitwear, which is particularly elastic;
- waking up early in the morning and walking;
- positive mood and attitude towards treatment.
Patients who will have surgery and who are at risk for thrombosis should take medications before and after surgery. Patients are prescribed modern anticoagulant drugs.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after phlebectomy. This is the most common vein surgery and is considered minimally invasive. Patients are discharged home on the fifth day, and in modern clinics hospitalization is not practiced at all. Therefore, the patient must know exactly what the prevention of deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities should be:
- You need to constantly monitor the condition of your veins. If alarming symptoms appear, go to the doctor immediately.
- Weight control. Obesity causes complications.
- Physical activity. Prolonged stay in a supine position provokes the risk of complications.
- Compression hosiery wear. Its class must be determined by the attending physician in order for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis after surgery to be effective.
- Taking heparins and applying local medications, for example, venotonic cream.
- Physical education classes. You need to do exercises every day that improve blood flow and prevent stagnation of blood in the veins. Patients are advised to swim, walk more and ride a bike.
It should be remembered that thrombus formation depends on many factors, and the consequences of different operations differ. The most serious are traumatology and orthopedics operations. The greatest risk is posed by operations on the hip and knee joints.
Since these operations are performed near large main veins, measures to prevent thrombosis after joint surgery are especially important. Patients cannot actively move after surgery, so they need support in the form of medications and other methods prescribed by the doctor.
Prevention of thrombosis with folk remedies
Traditional medicine offers various means of protection against venous thrombosis. For example, cranberries help thin the blood. To prepare a ready-to-use product, mix cranberries with honey, and then consume 2 teaspoons per day.
Mint infusions have a good effect. To prepare them, crushed leaves are used. They need to be poured into a brewing container, filled with boiling water and covered with a lid. After the leaves have infused, the infusion must be strained. Take half a glass of it every morning. The duration of the course is 2-3 months, and then you should take a break.
Regardless of the chosen traditional medicine, it is better to consult a doctor before using it. He will tell you which deep vein thrombosis prevention options are right for you and other factors.
Characteristic symptoms
It is necessary to know not only the pathogenesis of thrombosis, but also its symptoms. They are determined by the localization of the pathological process. The deep veins of the legs are most often affected. Such individuals exhibit the following symptoms:
- pain in the affected area (usually in the lower leg);
- swelling of the limbs;
- pain on palpation;
- local increase in body temperature;
- bluish discoloration of the skin in the area of the affected limb;
- bulging veins in the neck;
- heaviness in the legs mainly in the evening;
- paresthesia (feeling of crawling, numbness of the limb);
- pale skin.
Many patients have increased body temperature. The cause is inflammation of the vein. Most often, thrombosis is unilateral. Some people have mild or no symptoms at all. The main complaint may be rapid leg fatigue after standing or walking, as well as a feeling of heaviness. Pain is the most common symptom of acute deep vein thrombosis.
It can spread upward from the foot to the thigh. The development of edema syndrome is often observed. Objective symptoms of thrombosis include changes in the skin at the site of the lesion (it becomes shiny and smooth), bluish or pale skin, and the presence of edema. In some individuals, the retinal vessels are affected. Symptoms of vein thrombosis in this situation include decreased vision, the appearance of fog before the eyes, and loss of fields.
Prevention of thrombosis during pregnancy
It is especially important to avoid thrombosis in women during pregnancy. This is explained by the restructuring of the hormonal background of the female body. The cardiovascular system experiences additional stress. Body weight increases and other indicators worsen.
Tablets should be prescribed only if there are serious indications for this. But before this, the expectant mother must change her lifestyle and adhere to a healthy diet. It is recommended to wear compression garments, walk more often and monitor changes in well-being.
Therapy methods
The diagnosis of thrombophlebitis of the leg requires outpatient treatment. Therapy at home is permitted if the disease is not severe, subject to constant medical supervision.
The set of conservative treatment measures for thrombophlebitis of the leg is usually as follows:
- Strict adherence to bed rest for at least 10 days. The patient's affected limb should be at an angle of 40-50 degrees relative to the body.
- Administration of anticoagulants by injection or drip. In the first days, patients are usually prescribed drugs of the heparin group or analogues, such as Clexane or Fraxiparine. After the acute period, patients are recommended to take tableted blood thinners: Pradaxa, Xarelto or the cheaper one - Warfarin.
- To relieve inflammation in the muscle walls and soft tissues, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed: Ibuprofen, Diclofenac.
- In order to restore the tone of damaged vessels, it is recommended to take phlebotonics - agents that normalize the condition of the venous wall, improve tissue trophism, and eliminate blood stagnation. These drugs include: Phlebodia 600, Troxevasin, Phlebofa, Phlebaven, Detralex.
- To relieve pain, patients are recommended antispasmodics: Aspirin, Papaverine, Spasmol.
- If a purulent process develops, antibiotics are prescribed: Amoxicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxiclav.
Compression underwear
To prevent further stretching of blood vessels and restore continuity of blood flow, patients should constantly wear compression stockings.
These products are sold with a prescription from your attending physician, who will provide recommendations on choosing the desired model of underwear, degree of compression, and regularity of use of the product.
If there is a high probability of a blood clot breaking off and flotating along the vascular bed, conservative measures may not be enough and then radical intervention is recommended.
Phlebectomy
Removal of a vessel affected by thrombosis, completely or partially. Most often prescribed for thrombophlebitis of deep venous vessels on the left, when drug therapy does not bring a sustainable positive effect.
A prerequisite for such treatment is deep anesthesia, since the operation is painful and traumatic. After the intervention, the patient must constantly wear compression garments, and the period of sick leave can be up to 4 weeks.
Thrombectomy
This method of surgical intervention involves the installation of a vena cava filter - a device shaped like a small umbrella to “catch” a wandering blood clot.
Once the clot is trapped, the foreign body must be removed from the body. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and is recommended for people who, due to health conditions, cannot take anticoagulants.
Prevention of thrombosis: exercises
An effective method of protecting against thrombosis in the legs is exercise. Physical activity, recreational exercises and regular sports reduce the likelihood of developing this disease.
If a person constantly works while sitting, then once an hour you need to take an active break for five minutes. When you can’t do gymnastic exercises, you can just take a walk: a light walk is enough to stretch your legs.
To maintain vein tone, it is recommended to dance, ride a bike or swim. Hiking, jogging in the morning or brisk walking have a good effect on vascular health.
But not all types of physical activity are beneficial in terms of preventing blood clots. If there is a load on the arch of the foot, then such a sport will not be useful. People who are at risk of vascular problems are not advised to jump, play tennis or squash, or engage in weightlifting and aerobics.