New research published in the January 14, 2008 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine say that even minor injuries can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot in a vein that can break off and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs. DVT can occur anywhere, but it is statistically more dangerous when it happens in the legs.
This is important news because while we've always known that major injuries, surgery, immobilization (such as being in a cast) and paralysis were all risk factors for developing DVT, it seems that even minor injuries that don't lead to surgery or immobilization still triples the chances of a DVT.
According to the authors of the study, the most dangerous minor injuries happened in the legs.
If a DVT breaks loose and travels to the lungs it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a potentially fatal condition, and the reason DVT is so scary in the first place.
If you get hurt but don't think you require medical assistance, be aware of the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you think you may have a DVT, call your doctor immediately. If you think you're having a PE, call 911.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Swelling in an arm or leg, or along a vein (feels like a small rope)
Pain or tenderness in the leg, which may only be felt when standing or walking
Increased warmth in the area that's swollen or painful
Redness or purple coloring on the skin near the swelling or tenderness
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Unexplained shortness of breath
Pain when taking a deep breath
Coughing up blood
There's no need to panic every time you get an injury in the legs, but there's nothing wrong with paying attention to how you feel, either.
This is important news because while we've always known that major injuries, surgery, immobilization (such as being in a cast) and paralysis were all risk factors for developing DVT, it seems that even minor injuries that don't lead to surgery or immobilization still triples the chances of a DVT.
According to the authors of the study, the most dangerous minor injuries happened in the legs.
If a DVT breaks loose and travels to the lungs it is called a pulmonary embolism (PE). A PE is a potentially fatal condition, and the reason DVT is so scary in the first place.
If you get hurt but don't think you require medical assistance, be aware of the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. If you think you may have a DVT, call your doctor immediately. If you think you're having a PE, call 911.
Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Swelling in an arm or leg, or along a vein (feels like a small rope)
Pain or tenderness in the leg, which may only be felt when standing or walking
Increased warmth in the area that's swollen or painful
Redness or purple coloring on the skin near the swelling or tenderness
Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
Unexplained shortness of breath
Pain when taking a deep breath
Coughing up blood
There's no need to panic every time you get an injury in the legs, but there's nothing wrong with paying attention to how you feel, either.
