An issue that many of our patients are concerned about is whether they will develop blood clots in Rogers, at our clinic. Though not always a risk for every patient, potential clotting in the veins is something that we carefully monitor.
The main goals of treating blood clots in Rogers are to:
- Keep blood clots from expanding
- Prevent the clot from breaking off in your vein and moving to your lungs
- Lessen the risk of another blood clot
- Prevent long-term complications from the blood clot
Curious about what to expect from blood clot treatments in Rogers? This blog covers, in detail, our treatment process at every stage of care!
Step 1: Testing
The test we offer at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center for DVT Treatment in Rogers is a Duplex Ultrasound. This is the most common test for diagnosing DVT. It uses ultrasound waves to map your blood vessels, allowing us to show blood flow and clots in your veins. During this test, your Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center provider will apply pressure while scanning your arm or leg. If the pressure they apply doesn’t compress your vein, it could mean a blood clot is present.
Unlike hospital appointments, our team can get patients in for testing and provide them with results within 48 hours.
Once we’ve identified the location of the clot, we will begin discussing treatment options, and what you’re comfortable with.
Step 2: Treatment
During this process, Dr. Haney will work with you to identify your needs and challenges posed by your lifestyle or health factors, and then develop a customized, long-term treatment plan to keep you healthy for years to come. Treatment plans for blood clots in Rogers will be very similar to dvt treatments in Rogers.
This plan will be customized to you, so the exact treatment you receive for your blood clot will vary depending upon your needs, the severity of the clot, and what you’re comfortable with as a patient. We offer both conservative care and surgical solutions to help you tackle your healthcare concerns.
Treatment Options
Anticoagulants
Also called blood thinners, anticoagulant medication makes it harder for your blood to clot. Critically, for DVT patients, they also stop clots from getting bigger and from moving. However, blood thinners won’t get rid of blood clots. Your body may naturally dissolve a clot, but sometimes clots don’t completely disappear. When they don’t, they usually shrink and become little “scars” inside your veins.
If you need to take an anticoagulant, you may have to take it for only a few months (usually three to six months), or you might take it indefinitely. Your treatment time may be different depending on the specific situations of each individual, including if:
- You’ve had clots before
- You’re getting treatment for another illness
Elevate Your Legs
Though this can sound a little ridiculous, elevating your legs while sitting down can naturally help the blood flow toward the heart. This is because your veins won’t have to work against gravity. This can improve circulation and lessen blood reflux in your legs, as well as the strain on your veins caused by a DVT clot. It may be simple, but it’s an incredibly effective behavior for improving your venous health long-term.
Compression Stockings
You‘ll probably need to wear compression stockings to improve or eliminate leg swelling. Damage to the small valves inside your veins often causes this swelling. You may also have swelling because the DVT blocks blood flow in your vein. You wear most compression stockings just below your knee. These stockings are tight at the ankle and become looser as they go away from your ankle. This causes gentle pressure on your leg, which promotes blood flow.
Clinical studies have shown that compression stockings improve the symptoms of leg pain and swelling by at least 50% as long as they’re worn daily during the day.
Step 3: Recovery
After you have a blood clot, you’ll need to reduce your risk of future blood clots by:
- Taking your medications exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.
- Keeping your follow-up appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. These tell your provider how well your treatment is working.
- Making lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods, being more active, and avoiding tobacco products.
If you’ve never had a blood clot, but have an increased risk of developing one, be sure to:
- Exercise your calf muscles if you need to sit still for a long time. Stand up and walk at least every half hour if you’re on a long flight. Or get out of the car every hour if you’re on a long road trip.
- Get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after you’re sick or have surgery. The sooner you move around, the less chance you have of developing blood clots.
- Take medications or use prescription compression stockings after surgery. This can help reduce the risk of future blood clots in Rogers.
Turn to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center for Blood Clots in Rogers
If you’re looking to treat blood clots in Rogers, come to the Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center. Our experience and growing suite of care options allow us to guide you toward lasting wellness solutions for a happier, healthier life.
We are a premier practice in Northwest Arkansas for the highest-quality vein treatments. Dr. Haney, Dr. Stout, and the expert staff have over 500 years of combined experience in the industry. Patients come to Dr. Haney from all over Northernwestern Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Bentonville, to ensure they receive the best concierge-level care and leg vein procedures.
Take the first step on the road to recovery with our Virtual Vein & Artery Screening Quiz, or schedule a consultation!