Local physician to offer free vein screening

March is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) awareness month. DVT affects up to 600,000 people per year, and may lead to 60,000 to 100,000 deaths per year from complications. DVT is a partial or complete blockage of the deep veins, most commonly of the legs. The deep veins are defined as veins located below the muscles and cannot be seen from the surface. Since you cannot see these veins or feel them, screening is important for patients that would be at risk for DVT.

There are many risk factors that could put a person at risk for DVT. These can include prolonged bed rest, prolonged sitting (such as when driving or flying), trauma, post-surgery, use of birth control pills, being overweight, smoking, and inherited blood clotting disorders. Although DVT can occur at any age, being over the age of 60 increases your risk.

Symptoms can be vague and can include a sudden swelling in one leg. It is very unusual to have swelling in both legs due to DVT. Sudden onset of pain in your leg (usually starting at the calf) may be a symptom. This pain may be a cramping or soreness in the muscle. Deep vein thrombosis can also occur with no noticeable symptoms.

Your doctor uses a series of specific questions to make the diagnosis of DVT. Depending on the answers, your physician may obtain a venous ultrasound or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. If DVT is confirmed, it is usually treated with medications.

Much more common than DVT are varicose veins and spider veins. People with varicose veins do have an increase in their risk for developing DVT, and many of the signs and symptoms are similar. They can include pain, aching, swelling, heavy legs, itching and cramping. Varicose and spider veins are visible on the surface of your legs.

Varicose veins and spider veins are easily treated. Some patients pursue treatment for symptomatic relief, while others want treatment to eliminate unsightly veins. Treatment can range from simple compression stockings to a minor in-office surgical procedure. A well-trained venous surgeon will formulate a treatment plan specific to your individual problems.

In support of DVT awareness month, Dr. Stafford at Vein Clinics NorthWest is offering a free venous screening day on Tuesday, March 22. This visit will help you understand your venous health and outline a potential treatment plan to help you achieve long-term venous health. Please call (208) 676-0104.