Blood clotting is necessary to keep a severe wound from bleeding too much. But sometimes, you can get blood clots in your legs because you can't move around or because of something else. Most of the time, a blood clot in your legs is nothing to worry about, but it can move to your heart or lungs and cause serious health problems. This is why evaluating your blood clots at a hospital is essential. This article looks at its causes and ways to dissolve blood clots in the legs.

What Causes Blood Clots in the Legs?

• Age
• Prolonged sitting 
• Pregnancy 
• Prolonged bed rest
• Obesity 
• Smoking 
• Certain types of cancer
• Trauma
• Some types of major surgery 
• A family history of blood clots

Diagnosis of a Blood Clot in the Legs

You may have a blood clot in your legs if you notice or feel swelling, redness of the skin, discomfort, pain, or an area that seems to be warm to the touch. If you suspect that you have a blood clot but have not had it treated, you should do so as quickly as possible since the problems that can develop from not having it treated can be fatal. Your medical history will be reviewed, and a physical examination will be conducted when you meet your doctor. A diagnostic imaging procedure known as duplex ultrasonography will be performed on you if they suspect you have a blood clot. It examines blood flow in deep veins and arteries by using sound waves to identify any obstructions or clots of blood that may be present.

Ways to Dissolve Blood Clots in Legs

Here are some of the best ways to dissolve blood clots in legs:

1. Compression Stockings

With these unique knee socks, your blood is less likely to pool and clot. If you have deep vein thrombosis, wear them on your legs from your feet up to about the level of your knees. This will help keep your legs from getting swollen. If you can, you should wear these stockings all day for at least two years.

2. Clot Busters

These drugs, which are also called thrombolytics, might be given to you if you have a more severe blood type or if other medicines aren't helping. These medicines are given through an IV or a tube (catheter) that is put right into the clot. Clot busters can potentially cause bleeding, so they are usually only used for people with very bad blood clots.

3. Blood Thinners

Most of the time, anticoagulants, which are also called blood thinners, are used to treat blood clots in the legs. These drugs don't break up blood clots that are already there, but they can stop them from getting bigger and lower your risk of getting more. Thinners of the blood can be taken by mouth, given through an IV, or injected under the skin. Your doctor may switch you to a pill after giving you an injection to thin your blood after a few days.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Relieve Leg Cramps

4. Filters

If you cannot take blood-thinning medications, a filter may be put into the vena cava, a big vein in your belly. A vena cava filter prevents clots from settling in the lungs if they break away.

5. Thrombolytics

Only patients whose blood clots did not react to basic anticoagulants or patients with large blood clots are suited for treatment with thrombolytics. They are effective because they break up clumps in the blood, but they can raise the risk of bleeding. Only injections given intravenously or through a catheter can be considered thrombolytic therapy.

Prevention

Prevention is better than cure. Checkout some of the precautions you must take to avoid blood clots in legs:

1. Do not sit still for a long time. If you had surgery or had to stay in bed for another reason, try to get up and move around as soon as possible. If you are going to be sitting for a while, don't cross your legs because that can stop blood flow. If you're driving a long way, stop every hour or so to stretch your legs.
2. Stand up or walk around every so often when you're on a plane. If you can't, try working out your lower legs. Try lifting and lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor. Then, elevate your toes off the floor while keeping your heels placed there.
3. Do not smoke. If you smoke, you are more likely to get blood clots in your legs.
4. Work out and take care of your weight. Blood clots in the legs can be caused by being overweight. Regular exercise lowers your risk of blood clots, which is especially important for people who sit a lot or travel a lot.

Takeaway

If you don't treat blood clots in your legs correctly, they can cause severe problems like pulmonary embolism. No foods or supplements have been shown to treat blood clots, and some foods can stop blood from clotting, which may help you avoid getting blood clots in the future. Before introducing any extra foods and supplements, you should talk to your doctor because they may connect with your medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What should you not do when you have a blood clot?

A. Do not stand or sit for a long time. Keep moving and wear comfortable clothes.

Q. How long does it take to get over a blood clot in your leg?

A. It may take about three to six months to get over blood clots in the legs.

Q. Will my leg go back to normal after DVT?

A. 60% of people do recover from DVT. Just make sure you are getting the proper treatment.

Q. Which foods cause blood clots?

A. Unhealthy foods like trans fats, dairy products, and fatty foods can cause blood clots.

Q. What vitamins should be avoided when on blood thinners?

A. Just make sure not to go over with vitamin K.

Also Read: Suffering From Strawberry Legs?