Deep leg veins are the larger veins that travel through the muscles; they are not the veins that you can see just below the surface of the skin. Under normal circumstances, blood flows through the veins without trouble and without clotting. Although blood clotting is a natural and essential function of our bodies, abnormal clotting can result in severe health complications. For example, deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a condition in which a blood clot is formed in one of the body’s deep veins, typically in the lower leg, and can spread up the veins in the thigh. DVT can also develop in the deep veins of the thigh, and less frequently, in the deep veins of the arm.
One of the most common causes of deep vein thrombosis is the consumption of certain hormones, namely those present in some oral contraceptives. These hormones can cause a significant increase in the blood’s tendency to clot, potentially leading to the development of deep vein thrombosis. In order to decrease their risk of developing DVT, women can refrain from taking certain birth control pills. Unfortunately, without accurate information from drug manufacturing companies, it is difficult for consumers to determine which medications are safe to take and which medications are not.
Since DVT typically develops in the calf muscle, common symptoms include pain, tenderness, and swelling of the calf, and the affected area may become red and warm to the touch. One of the most dangerous aspects of deep vein thrombosis is that only 40-50% of cases are accompanied by symptoms, and the symptoms that are displayed are common to other minor conditions, including a muscle sprain and skin infection. Because of this, DVT is difficult to diagnosis and many instances of the condition are left untreated. Delayed treatment of DVT can lead to more serious health problems, including:
It is important to seek medical attention immediately after discovering a condition like deep vein thrombosis. There are a variety of treatment methods for individuals with DVT, including anticoagulant medications, compression stockings and surgery. Although anticoagulant medications cannot dissolve clots that have already formed, they can prevent future clots by decreasing the blood’s tendency to clot so easily. Compression stockings can be worn to reduce swelling and pain, and to prevent any further complications from developing, like post-thrombotic syndrome. Some victims of DVT may be unable to take anticoagulant medications; these rare individuals may require surgery to implant a vein filter which prevents future clots from traveling to the lung.
Deep vein thrombosis is a dangerous condition which can lead to even more serious problems like pulmonary embolism. One of the most effective ways to prevent DVT is to refrain from consuming certain oral contraceptives, which are known to increase an individual’s risk of developing blood clots. Unfortunately, some drug manufacturing companies conceal the more serious side effects of their medications in order to expedite FDA approval and get their drug on the market. However, this puts consumers at risk of developing devastating health conditions and illnesses without their knowledge. It isn’t fair for pharmaceutical companies to take away a consumer’s right to evaluate a medication with all risks and benefits in mind. The only way to stand up against the deceptive practices of drug manufacturing companies is to file a defective drug lawsuit. A number of defective drug lawsuits are already pending against drug manufacturing companies and many defective drug cases are currently being investigated across the country. Victims of defective drug-related injuries are not at fault. If you or a loved one has suffered from deep vein thrombosis and you believe pharmaceuticals to be the cause, contact a defective drug attorney to evaluate your case. Qualified defective drug lawyers are experienced in defective drug litigation and can help you collect the compensation you deserve.
