Varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis can be quite similar in causes and symptoms. In some cases, they may even develop at the same time. So, here’s how to tell the conditions apart and what to do if you have them.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins form when the vein valves, which are responsible for stopping the backward flow of blood, stop working properly. As a result, blood starts pooling in the vein, causing it to bulge and twist over time. Varicose veins often come with symptoms of aching, swelling, and itchiness. What complicates matters is that varicose veins aren’t always visible, and not every case causes discomfort.
Varicose veins form due to a variety of factors. While they are typically a genetic condition, pregnancy, ageing, and a sedentary lifestyle may all contribute to increasing your risk.
What is a blood clot?
A clot forms when red blood cells clump together into a gelatinous ball. Usually, this happens during wound healing to keep the rest of your blood inside. However, blood clots can also form in the veins even if there’s no wound present. If it forms in a deep vein, it’s referred to as deep vein thrombosis. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling in your foot, ankle, or leg, usually on one side
- Cramping pain in your affected calf that doesn’t go away with stretching
- Severe, unexplained pain in your foot
- Warmer skin over the clot than in the surrounding areas
- Pale, reddish, or bluish skin discolouration over the affected area
Similarly to varicose veins, pregnancy, ageing, and a sedentary lifestyle increase your risk of clotting. However, clots may also form due to a lack of hydration and even varicose veins themselves.
Can you have varicose veins and a blood clot?
Unfortunately, yes. Varicose veins contain a lot more blood than they should, a lot of which flows much more slowly than normal. These conditions make it very easy for blood cells to clump together and stick to the vein wall or valve, impacting circulation further.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins vs blood clots?
Varicose veins
You can manage varicose veins and reduce the risk of a clot forming in them by wearing compression stockings, exercising regularly, elevating your legs, and staying hydrated.
To treat the condition, however, you’ll need medical intervention. In rare and serious circumstances, vascular surgery, like an ambulatory phlebectomy, may be necessary. However, in most cases, the veins will respond well to minimally invasive treatment. These include:
Instead of surgical removal, these treatments seal the vein through heat, sclerosant, or a combination of sclerosant and mechanical action. Once sealed, your body will start absorbing the vein.
DVT
- Anti-Coagulants, known as blood thinners, reduce the risk of a clot forming and help your body safely remove most clots that have formed.
- Medical-grade compression stockings are one of the most effective ways to minimise the risk of clots forming, and are particularly effective at treating current clots, especially alongside the use of anticoagulants. You should wear compression stockings on flights, while driving, and while at work (if you stand or sit all day).
- You should exercise in combination with wearing stockings. By exercising regularly, even if it’s just a simple walk, your circulation improves, helping the blood move properly. Sometimes, a doctor will recommend physiotherapy and stretches to help improve circulation and manage any associated pain, as well as reduce the risk of further clots.
Make sure you speak to your doctor before starting these treatments.
Are these conditions dangerous?
Varicose veins aren’t considered dangerous. However, as they are a progressive medical condition, it is always best to have them assessed by a specialist.
Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, can get dangerous. While a DVT doesn’t constitute a medical emergency, it can become one if the clot dislodges from the vein wall. If that happens, it can travel through to the lungs, resulting in a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. If you suspect a clot, go to your nearest hospital ASAP. Your doctor may give you anticoagulants or a stronger medication known as a thrombolytic to break the clot.
Varicose veins vs blood clot: the takeaway
Clots often cause sudden pain in the foot or ankle, warmth or discolouration in the affected area, and cramping that won’t go away with stretching. Varicose veins are bulging, rope-like veins that often cause a dull ache, itching, and swelling. If you suspect you have one or both of these conditions, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Early diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure the best results. Call us today on 0420 102 637 or fill out the form below.