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Venous Disease: Know the Risks
Venous disease occurs when the walls and one-way valves in veins, usually in the legs, become damaged. This damage allows blood to pool and causes veins to swell, making the problem worse. The resulting venous disease can be relatively minor, such as with varicose veins or tired, achy legs. More serious levels of venous disease include superficial and deep thrombophlebitis (also called DVT), which can cause serious complications including pulmonary embolism (PE).
DVT and PE are often under diagnosed. They are serious, but preventable medical conditions. DVT can happen to anybody at any age. Factors that increase the risk of developing DVT Include:
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Major surgery or recent injury
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Immobility, such as being in the hospital or long travel by air
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Increased estrogen, from birth control pills, pregnancy, and certain medications
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Certain chronic medical illnesses,such as heart disease and cancer
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Previous DVT
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Age increase
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Obesity
Prevention is preferable to treatment. When prevention through exercise such as walking or muscle flexing is not enough, doctors look to two potential interventions: anti-coagulation medications and lower limb compression.
Compression therapy is recommended by hospitals and physicians to help prevent DVT and for other indications. Today, consumers are seeking relief on their own for tired, achy legs. Athletes, travelers, pregnant women and workers on their feet all day are all looking for the kind of added leg support that compression hosiery delivers.
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