Ways To Treat Popliteal Vein Thrombosis
Popliteal vein thrombosis is a silent condition that might occur without the patient's knowledge. It is a condition defined by the formation of a clot also known as a thrombus in the popliteal vein. The popliteal vein is a major vein in the lower body that empties blood from the legs and carries it to the heart. The vein is located behind the knee, and it is found deep into the skin. Popliteal vein thrombosis is a form of deep vein thrombosis since it occurs deep into the leg tissue.
Formation of a clot inside the popliteal vein can occur autonomously, or it can result from trauma, illness, lack of exercises or when you take certain medications. The clot can remain inside the popliteal vein, or it can also break loose from the vein where it progresses to the heart and then to the lungs. If the lump makes its way to the lungs, it can result to host of circulatory and respiratory complications, which can be deadly.
Get Moving And Active
Most of the deep vein thrombosis including popliteal vein thrombosis occurs when there is damage to the vein or when an individual leads an inactive life. The best way to prevent and recover from popliteal vein thrombosis is to get moving and active. When patients keep their legs still for long periods, the blood flow in the legs becomes sluggish. There is a tendency of blood to pool behind the valves leading to the formation of a clot.
The individuals with the highest risk of popliteal vein thrombosis are those who have been bedridden for long periods, especially after knee or hip replacement surgery. Experts recommend adults should walk for at least ninety minutes every day. If individuals sit for extended periods, they should ensure they take periodic breaks to stretch their legs. Also, moving around after a surgical operation can help prevent popliteal vein thrombosis. However, patients will need to follow their physician’s advice to avoid injuries after the operation.
Medications
Popliteal vein thrombosis is a serious condition, but it can be prevented if diagnosed and treated in time. When patients get proper treatment, the condition will eventually vanish with no long-term consequences. Mostly, the first treatment for popliteal vein thrombosis will be anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, refer to medications that prevent clotting. Heparin and warfarin are the first two anticoagulants approved for treating thrombosis, though newer anticoagulants such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, and dabigatran have also been approved. A combination of anticoagulants and the natural body’s mechanism will eventually cause the clot to dissolve. Prolonged use of certain medicines such as acetylsalicylic acid can help prevent the occurrence of clots in the future.
It is wise to note blood thinners are used to prevent an existing clot from becoming bigger, but they do not dissolve blood clots that have already formed. Blood thinners can either be taken as a pill or an injection under the skin. Anticoagulant therapy usually lasts for six months, and it carries various side effects. The most common side effect of using blood thinners is excessive bleeding. It occurs when the anticoagulants cause excessive thinning of the blood. If a patient is on blood thinners, it is wise for them to have regular blood tests to measure their blood’s clotting ability. The tests will help their doctor to change the dosage for the anticoagulants if need be.
