Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a chronic ailment characterized by the formation of blood lumps in veins located deep inside the body. It is a severe condition and typically forms near the thigh or lower leg. DVT is called by other names also such as thromboembolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, and post-phlebitic syndrome.

Risk factors associated with DVT
Cases, where patients are prone to symptoms of DVT or the common risk factors related to DVT, are as follows:

• Vein injuries
• Obesity
• Family history of DVT
• Placing of a catheter in a vein
• Consumption of birth control pills
• Heavy smoking
• Hormonal therapy
• Staying seated for prolonged periods of time
• Hereditary blood clotting disorders
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Heart failure or cardiovascular disease
• Surgery, especially joint-replacement surgery
• Pregnancy

Symptoms of DVT
The most common symptoms of DVT include the following:

• Inflammation of the ankle, foot or leg, especially on one side only
• Cramping pain in leg, which starts up from the calf
• Unexpected and unexplained pain in the foot and ankle
• A certain area of the skin that feels warmer than other parts
• Color changes in the skin with the skin turning pale or a reddish or bluish color over the affected area

Treatment methods for DVT
The symptoms of DVT can be treated using these common treatment methods:

• Doctor-prescribed blood thinning medications like heparin and warfarin
• Thrombolytic drugs
• Wearing compression stockings, which lower chances of swelling or inflammation, thus preventing blood clots and DVT
•  If you cannot take blood-thinning medications, then an alternative treatment involves placing a filter inside a large abdominal vein known as the vena cava.

Complications involved with DVT
There are certain complications which may arise due to the symptoms of DVT. They manifest in the form of:

• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Pain in the chest
• Rapid breathing
• Coughing blood
• Accelerated heart rate

How to prevent DVT
There are several ways you can prevent the symptoms of DVT from manifesting or reverse them. Most of these methods include making certain lifestyle changes for the better. Moving around, walking, taking breaks in between seated hours, monitoring your diet, and maintaining stable blood pressure levels are key elements to preventing the appearance or rise of the symptoms of DVT. Avoid wearing tight clothes. Opt for loose clothing since tight clothes can worsen the symptoms of DVT.

Sitting for more than four hours at one time is an absolute no-no when deep vein thrombosis is concerned. The best ways to reduce symptoms of DVT are to move around, take breaks in between whatever you’re doing, and by stretching your legs. Keep the blood flowing and the body moving occasionally, and you should feel better.

If you’ve been living a sedentary lifestyle, you may be at risk of DVT. However, fear not, there’s always a solution. If your body is not used to exercising, take gentle steps and do low-impact exercises. The key thing here is forming a habit a DVT get complicated with age and poor habits. By working your way up from 10 minute walks a day to the doctor recommended 20 minutes a day of physical activity, you will significantly lower the risks of DVT.

The second part of the DVT equation is a healthy diet, which is often not talked about. Eating fruits and vegetables rich in necessary vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can go a long way in the treatment of DVT. Food has the potential to cure or cause chronic diseases, and it stands the same with DVT. By exercising and following up with a healthy diet, you will be preventing blood clots in your body, promote better circulation, and prevent the thickening of the blood. If your diet is lacking in certain blood-thinning nutrients, you can try using herbal or doctor-prescribed supplements.

DVT can occur due to stress, which leads to inflammation and clotting. This can be prevented by adding relaxation periods into your lifestyle. You can try practicing certain relaxation techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing. Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been medically proven by ancient China to be capable of reversing many chronic diseases, and they accompany relaxation techniques too like standing or moving meditations. Massage therapy and acupuncture are two other therapies you could try to help cure the symptoms of DVT.

The important thing to remember is that DVT is a chronic condition and as with all other chronic conditions, it can be reversed given the time, care, and healthy lifestyle. If you want to relieve yourself of DVT, you can start by incorporating healthy lifestyle changes and gifting yourself a better quality life through better health and well-being. Try to eat better and have a good workout regime to prevent from suffering from DVT.