Thrombosis in the leg is a medical problem that often occurs in the calf or thigh in unexpected and traumatic ways. It is a very painful alteration that tends to cause specific concerns due to the repercussions it can have on health.
Treatment of this condition is essential due to the risk of a complication known as pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal if not acted on quickly.
The time it takes to heal a thrombosis in the leg worries those who suffer from it, as it is excruciating and limiting, a pathology that requires rest and emergency medical treatment.
In the following few lines of this FastlyHealarticle, you will find all the information you need to know how long it takes to heal a thrombosis in the leg.
Table of Contents
How long does a leg thrombosis last?
Generally, it takes to heal a thrombosis in the leg around three months, strictly following medical indications. The time will depend on:
- The situation the patient is in.
- Medical conditions.
- The reason for the development of the blood clot.
Depending on those mentioned above, it may take longer than six months. Many people fully recover from leg thrombosis, but up to 40% still have symptoms years after initial diagnosis.
How to cure a thrombosis in the leg
Thrombosis in the leg is cured with medical treatment. For this, the specialist will indicate medications such as:
- Anticoagulants: used to decrease the blood’s ability to clot. In this way, the clots are prevented from increasing in size. These medications can be taken orally, given by the injection of the skin (under the skin), or intravenously. Warfarin and Heparin are drugs used for 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s condition.
- Graduated compression stockings: these stockings are indicated to reduce inflammation of the legs, which compress from the arch of the foot to a point above or below the knee. These stockings apply gentle pressure from the bottom up, preventing blood from pooling and clots from forming.
- Vena cava filter: this procedure is performed in cases in which anticoagulants cannot be taken or do not have the desired effect. The doctor will recommend the placement of this filter in the vena cava to catch the clots before they go to the lungs, thus avoiding pulmonary embolism.
- Exercise and therapy: these must be done with compression stockings. A simple walk will improve circulation. Physical therapy as well as stretching exercises improve circulation, help control pain, and at the same time decrease the risk of further blood clots.
What are the consequences of thrombosis in the leg?
Several consequences can occur from thrombosis in the leg. The main one is that the clot or thrombus is released and travels through the bloodstream, lodging in the lungs, thus obstructing the flow of blood, which causes a pulmonary embolism that can trigger the patient’s death. This becomes evident if it occurs:
- Difficulty breathing abruptly.
- Rapid pulse.
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Daze.
- Cough is sometimes accompanied by blood.
Another consequence that a leg thrombosis can bring is the appearance of a postphlebitic syndrome (PTS), which becomes evident when a part of the leg is damaged by a deep vein thrombosis, which causes:
- Swelling.
- Pain.
- Discoloration of the skin.
- The appearance of ulcers.
Keep in mind that anticoagulants can cause bleeding due to their effect.
Who to go to if you have a leg thrombosis
If you feel your leg swollen or in pain and are concerned that it is a thrombosis, go urgently to your internist or family doctor for an examination. After an evaluation, he will make the diagnosis to start treatment immediately.
Thrombosis in the leg is a serious condition that requires emergency medical care and treatment to avoid life-threatening complications.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.