What does deep vein thrombosis look like?

Know the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and take preventative measures, with expertly trained Care Professionals to recognise the signs and support lifestyle changes.

What is deep vein thrombosis? 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) causes a blood clot to form in a vein, most commonly in the leg. It affects around 1 in 1,000 people in the UK, and is usually caused by lack of mobility. This is why older adults are more susceptible. 

DVT is most likely to occur in those who are over 60, overweight, smokers, or have cancer or heart failure. It can cause pain, swelling, and an increased risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, from which around 1 in 7 people die. If you suspect DVT, seek urgent medical help via NHS 111 or your GP stating that you think you have a DVT. If you also experience chest pain, breathlessness, or coughing up blood, call 999 or go to A&E immediately.

Understanding how to notice the signs is vital if you are over 60, or if you are caring for an older person with mobility issues. Treatments and lifestyle changes can help to avoid this.

What causes deep vein thrombosis in older adults?

Deep vein thrombosis develops when something disrupts blood flow in a vein and increases clotting. Several factors can cause this, including certain medications, cancer or cancer treatments, pregnancy or recent childbirth, smoking and obesity. The most common cause of DVT is immobility, which tends to happen during long flights, prolonged bed rest, recovery from surgery, or in those with mobility issues who move around very little or not at all.

This is a common problem for older adults who live with a disability or who tend to move less than younger people. Also, veins become less flexible with age, making DVT more likely to occur in older adults, particularly if they have multiple health issues that can increase the likelihood of clots.

Image

How is deep vein thrombosis diagnosed?

It is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of DVT if you are over age 60, and if you are caring for an older person, especially if they struggle with mobility. The common signs of DVT include:

  • Sudden pain (most often in the leg)
  • Pain that becomes worse when standing or walking
  • Swelling in one area
  • Tenderness in one area
  • Warm skin
  • Red or discoloured skin
  • Skin that feels firm in one area
  • A noticeable difference in leg size

If DVT is suspected, contact NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment right away. If accompanied by shortness of breath or chest pain, call 999. If you attend an appointment a doctor will diagnose this by referring the person to a hospital for an urgent ultrasound scan to find out if blood is clotting or flowing normally in the affected vein. X-rays of the vein (called a venogram) may also be necessary.

How to arrange treatment and care for deep vein thrombosis

Those diagnosed with DVT or awaiting an ultrasound will usually receive blood-thinning medication called heparin via injection. If diagnosed, they may be prescribed further blood-thinners like apixaban, rivaroxaban, and edoxaban  to be taken for at least 3 months. In extreme cases, they may need surgery to remove blood clots. Research suggests around 33% of people with a blood clot will have a secondary clot within 10 years, so improving awareness after DVT is crucial.

For older adults with an increased risk of DVT due to conditions that impact mobility, like arthritis, it can be helpful to have a dedicated caregiver visit to improve the chances of spotting signs, and encourage lifestyle changes that can reduce risk. Our friendly Care Professionals can help with this.

Image

How can Home Instead help with recovery from DVT

Our Care Professionals can help with lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of DVT, such as help to:

  • Stop smoking
  • Move around regularly throughout the day
  • Stick to medication schedules if you have been prescribed blood thinners
  • Wear compression socks (if applicable)
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight

We aim to put your mind at ease when it comes to DVT, and we are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). If you need trusted home care to watch over you or a loved one, arranging this is easy – give us a call to discuss your history of DVT, your risk factors, and how we can help you prevent this in future.