In most cases, you will be able to tell if you are dealing with DVT. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include:

• Swelling in one leg. It’s rare that both legs will swell as the clot is usually in one leg only.
• Pain in your leg. Usually, this pain will begin in your calf muscle and feels similar to a leg cramp or soreness.
• Discolored skin. The area on your leg will usually appear red.
• Warm spots. The area on your leg will have a feeling of warmth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact our office immediately. Again, deep vein thrombosis can occur with no symptoms. This is why we ask you to wear compression stockings as part of the treatment for veins in legs and walk, as well as attend follow up appointment at the vein centers in Frisco.

Although it is extremely rare, it is important to know the symptoms of pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening advanced stage of deep vein thrombosis. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact emergency medical services immediately. Warning signs include:

• Sudden shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort or pain that becomes worse if you cough or take a deep intake of breath
• Dizziness, fainting, or feeling lightheaded
• Rapid pulse and racing heart
• Coughing up blood

Some people are more susceptible to blood clots due to certain medical conditions. Additionally, clots can occur if you are inactive for long periods of time, such as a bed after surgery or an accident where you are confined to a bed.

The blood clots of deep vein thrombosis can also occur from anything that prevents your veins from circulating blood as normal, such as the treatment for veins in the legs.

This is why one of the most important things you can do following your procedure at our vein clinic in Frisco, Texas is to walk around and let your blood flow as well as follow all post-procedure instructions.

There are certain things that can increase the possibility of having DVT. The chances of getting it are higher if you have multiple items on this list. Dr. G is the best vein doctor in Frisco, Allen, Plano, Southlake, or anywhere else in North Texas, and will make sure to cover these items with you before your first procedure. Increased risk factors are possible for those who:

• Inherit a blood clot disorder.This condition by itself may not cause clots, but combined with other factors from below can increase risk factors.
• Long periods of bed rest. If you are not moving and being active, your calf muscles cannot help circulate blood which increases your risk.
• Surgery.Vein surgery can increase the risk, as can injury to your veins.
• Pregnancy. Due to increased pressure in the veins around your pelvis and legs, the risk of blood clots can continue for six weeks postpartum. As a general rule, we do not treat veins in the legs during pregnancy or immediately afterward because of this.
• Additional hormones. This can come from taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
• Obesity or being overweight. Extra weight can increase the pressure on veins in your pelvis and legs and restrict blood flow.
• Being a smoker.Smoking can affect your circulation and increase the risk of blood clotting.
• Cancer. Some cancers increase blood-clotting substances in your blood. Additionally, some treatments for cancer can also increase your risk.
• Heart failure.Those with a history of heart failure have limited lung and heart function. Not only can this increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, but it can also make symptoms more noticeable.
• Inflammatory diseases of the bowel. Conditions such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis can increase risk factors.
• Being over the age of 60. Although it can occur at any age, being older than 60 can have increased risks of deep vein thrombosis.
• Long periods of sitting. This includes driving and flying, as your calf muscles do not have the opportunity to contract and move blood through veins.

The most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of DVT is to work with a knowledgeable, empathetic doctor. As Dr. Giraldo is the best vein doctor in Frisco (or anywhere else in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex), he has the expertise to help you lower your chances of clotting. He will discuss a personalized course of action with you during your appointments, but in general, our vein center in Frisco recommends:

• Remaining active with walking – do not do any strenuous exercise until you are cleared to.
• Staying hydrated with water
• Avoiding air travel and long periods of car travel
• Compression stockings - make sure to purchase stockings through our vein clinic in Frisco, Texas. Choosing the right stocking is one of the most important parts of healing—do not purchase a cheap imitation version.

Remember, under the care of the best vein doctor in Frisco and McKinney, you will have the best chances of avoiding deep vein thrombosis.