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What is the treatment for blood clot in the leg?

Get the right treatment for your blood clot in the leg. Here's a helpful blog that explains medication, natural and surgical solutions to treat the condition.

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Blood clots are gel-like collections of plasma that occur in the veins or arteries when the blood transitions from liquid to partially solid.  Clotting is natural, but when clots do not dissolve on their own, they can be harmful. Treatments are available through medication and surgery. A blood clot is more than just a clot that occurs after a cut or scrape; it can become a significant medical condition. Untreated, a blood clot in the leg may cause serious health complications. Early detection and prompt treatment for a blood clot in the legis essential to prevent serious complications. In this blog, we'll explore the Medical and home based treatments options available for this condition.  

What is blood clothing? 

What is blood clothingBlood clots are gel-like blood collections that develop in the veins or arteries as blood shifts from fluid to partly solid. Clotting is a standard mechanism that prevents the body from bleeding excessively when they are injured.  Blood clots form as a result of blood vessel damage. Initially, the blood remains in one location. Platelets (a kind of blood cell) with fibrin (a hard string-like substance) unite to form a platelet plug, which closes the cut or hole. Long periods of immobility, injury to the wall of the blood vessels, and changes in the composition of the blood can all lead to the development of blood clots. They can occur in anyone, but certain persons are at a higher risk. 

What are the causes of blood clots in the leg? 

  • Age.
  • Obesity is defined as being overweight.
  • Family history of a blood clot.
  • Cancer was recently diagnosed.
  • pregnant 
  • A recent injury or serious surgery.
  • Using estrogen-based birth control or hormone therapy.
  • Bed rest or extended travel.
Without treatment, a blood clot may spread to the tissues and cause potentially fatal illnesses such as: 
  1. Stroke
  2. heart attack
  3. Pulmonary Embolism
To avoid major problems, blood clots should be treated as early as they are discovered. 

What is the treatment for blood clots in the leg?

The goal of treatment is to prevent the blood clots in the leg(DVT) from growing larger, prevent the formation of new clots, and prevent the clot from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs or other parts of the body.The most common treatments for blood clots in the leg include: 

Medical Treatments for a blood clot in the leg -

Doctors frequently use the following medications as treatments for diet or blood clots.  

Anticoagulant medicines 

Anticoagulant drugs, often called blood thinners, are the most commonly used therapies for blood clots. Such drugs lower the likelihood of new clots developing. It also assists your body in dissolving any existing clots. 

Warfarin 

Warfarin is a prescribed anticoagulation that works by preventing the production of clotting factors in your blood. These chemicals help blood clot. It works by interfering with the production of vitamin K, which is an essential component in the process of blood clotting. By reducing the amount of vitamin K in the body, warfarin makes it more difficult for blood clots to form. Also Read: Surprising Health Benefits of Donating Blood

Enoxaparin

Lovenox is another brand name for enoxaparin. It inhibits blood clots by attaching to antithrombin III, a protein that suppresses clotting. Enoxaparin works by preventing the formation of blood clots and by helping to dissolve existing clots. It does this by increasing the level of antithrombin, a substance in the blood that helps to prevent clots from forming. 

Heparin

Heparin acts by diminishing the action of blood proteins that encourage clotting. Heparin is an anticoagulant, which means that it helps to prevent blood clots from forming. It works by increasing the time it takes for blood to clot, thus reducing the risk of clots forming in the veins or arteries. 

Direct oral Anticoagulants

Direct oral anticoagulants are a relatively recent class of anticoagulants. According to a 2017 scientific review, these are effective as warfarin. They also have a lower chance of interfering with other drugs or supplements. 

Stockings or compression socks

Compression socks exert pressure on the foot and leg, reducing swelling and increasing blood flow. Compression stockings reach the upper thigh. They put greater pressure on the foot and less pressure on your leg higher up. This prevents blood and fluid from collecting in the lower body.

Thrombolytics

Thrombolytics are drugs that help dissolve blood clots. They can be administered by an IV or directly into a blood vessel via a catheter. 

Thrombectomy surgery

A thrombectomy is a surgical operation in which a blood clot is removed directly from a blood vessel. A thrombectomy may be performed to remove very big clots or clots that are producing troubling symptoms. 

Vena cava filters

A vena cava filter is a device that protects clots from flowing through the vena cava, a main vein that goes to the heart. They are typically given to persons who are at high risk of getting pulmonary embolism and are unable to take anticoagulant medicines. 

Natural treatment for a blood clot in the leg - 

Certain foods and supplements can aid in the prevention of future blood clots, but they should not be taken in place of medical therapy.  When considering significant dietary changes for treatment for a blood clot in the leg, consult with your doctor because certain foods and supplements might interfere with anticoagulant drugs. 

Turmeric -

According to a 2017 scientific study, the key element in turmeric known as curcumin contains antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anticarcinogenic properties. Its usage as a supplementary treatment for blood clots is still being researched.

Ginger -

The ginger plants possess the chemical salicylate, which is utilized to make aspirin. Researchers are still looking at its potential for avoiding blood clots.

Cinnamon -

Cinnamon includes coumarin, a substance with anticoagulant effects. Some studies have suggested that cinnamon may have potential health benefits, including its potential to help lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, prevent blood clotting, and improve heart health.

Cayenne pepper -

Cayenne pepper, like ginger, contains salicylates, which act as anticoagulants. They may help minimize blood clotting in theory, but further research is needed.

Vitamin E -

This vitamin has a minor anticoagulant effect. Several studies have shown that vitamin D and vitamin E reduce the incidence of blood clots, but others don't have that effect. 

What are the ways to Avoid forming New Blood Clots in the leg?

The following habits are recommended by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality to prevent blood clots: 
  • Wear comfortable clothing and socks.
  • Raise the legs at least 6 inches over your heart regularly.
  • If your doctor suggests it, use compression stockings.
  • Stay active by performing any activities prescribed by your doctor.
  • Eat less salt, avoid sitting for more than an hour at a time, and take frequent movement breaks.
  • Prevent leg injuries.
  • Keep your legs from crossing.
  • Keep pillows away from your knees.
  • Raising the foot of your bed by 4 to 6 inches.
  • Take all of the drugs that your doctor has prescribed.
Also Read: How To Protect Yourself From Bloodborne Pathogens

What is the risk of Blood clots in the legs?

What is the risk of Blood clots in the legsDeep vein thrombosis happens when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the leg. If a blood clot leaves your legs and travels to your lungs, it can cause pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal illness.Whenever the valves in the blood vessels get damaged, you have this disorder. It might produce symptoms such as soreness, swelling, or pain in your leg.
  • Sensation of weight
  • Itchiness
  • Stingling
  • Scramping
  • Ulcers

How long do blood clots take to dissolve?

Depending on their size, blood clots can disintegrate in weeks to months.If your chances of developing another blood clot are low, your doctor may give anticoagulant medication for three months, as suggested by the American Heart Association.If you are at increased risk, the medication may span years or maybe your entire life.

Conclusion -

A medical practitioner should evaluate and treat a blood clot. There is no proven method for treating a clot at home with natural therapies. If you attempt to break a blood clot at home, you may have to wait longer for proper medical treatment. This raises your chances of contracting a potentially fatal disease.If not treated properly, blood clots can cause major consequences such as pulmonary embolism. There is no evidence that vitamins or meals can treat blood clots. Some foods include anticoagulant characteristics that could also help you minimize the chance of developing blood clots in the future.Before introducing any new foods into your diet, consult with your doctor because they could interfere with your prescriptions.