Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs due to the formation of blood clots deep within your veins. DVT is most common in the thigs or lower legs, although blood clots can develop anywhere. DVT can impact any resident of Nashville, TN, regardless of age. However, the likelihood is higher if you smoke, are overweight or obese, or have recently had surgery.
The most common symptoms associated with DVT include skin warmth, pain, swelling, and tenderness. DVT can be life-threatening if a blood clot travels to your lungs and blocks an artery. Doctors refer to this condition as pulmonary embolism. You should not hesitate to seek vein treatment if you have any concerns about DVT. Dr. Siragusa will likely to recommend that you wear compression stockings.
How Do Compression Stockings Work?
Compression stockings come with stretchy elastic that fits tightly around your ankles, calves, and thighs. They create pressure that allows the blood in your legs to flow more freely. The goal of this vein treatment is to reduce your compression level and symptoms.
How To Use Compression Stockings
You should plan to put your medical grade compression stockings on first thing in the morning, even before you stand up and start moving. If you wait until after you are out of bed, movement can cause swelling that makes it difficult to pull your compression stockings thigh high.
Here is the easiest way to put on a pair of compression stockings:
- Grab one of them from the top.
- Roll it downwards towards your heel.
- Place your foot inside the stocking.
- Slowly roll the stocking up towards your heel.
- Repeat the process with the opposite leg.
- Wear the stockings until bedtime.
Be sure to remove your compression stockings before you get in the shower. After drying off your skin, consider putting lotion on your legs to make it easier to pull your medical grade stockings thigh high since they fit tightly. You can wash your compression stockings with mild soap each day. Dr. Siragusa recommends replacing them with a new pair after four to six months.
Choosing Your Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are available with tightness that ranges from 8 to 15 mmHg for mild DVT to an mmHg of 30 to 40 that provides extra firmness. Dr. Siragusa will recommend a firmness level after determining the severity of your DVT.
Keep in mind that each brand has size variations, so you will want to measure your legs and use a size chart provided by the brand to ensure you purchase the right compression stockings. Making time each day to elevate your legs while wearing special socks also helps to improve blood flow.
Other Treatments For Deep Vein Thrombosis
You may need to pursue a different treatment for severe cases of DVT or when you do not experience enough symptom relief with compression stockings.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners)
Dr. Siragusa may write a prescription for anticoagulant medication to help break up blood clots and prevent new ones from forming.
Vein Surgery Treatments
You could also be a good candidate for endovenous ablation, microphlebectomy, or sclerotherapy surgical vein treatment. Dr. Siragusa will explain each one in more detail at your initial consultation.
Contact SIRAGUSA’S Vein Clinic In Nashville
We invite you to meet our vein physician in Nashville when you schedule a consult with our clinic. You can also request a free vein screening by calling 615-777-0744.
Getting Your Insurance To Cover Your Vein Treatment
Many of our patients are very surprised to learn that Insurance often covers the treatment of symptomatic spider veins. The insurance specialists at Siragusa Vein and Laser have compiled a list of ways to get your insurance provider to cover your treatment.
Take The First Step
If you are ready to stop hiding your legs and dealing with the embarrassment of spider veins, let Dr. Siragusa and his team get you back to loving your legs and living your life.