Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a vein condition that can cause pain, swelling, and serious complications like pulmonary embolism. At Fort Worth Vein Center, Barry Oswalt, MD, FACS, offers minimally invasive treatments to improve your vascular health.
Dr. Oswalt, board-certified in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, has performed thousands of procedures and is dedicated to caring for DVT patients in Fort Worth, Texas.
What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most often in the legs. While DVT is most common in the lower extremities, it can occur in other parts of the body as well.
The veins in the legs are divided into two systems:
- Superficial veins: These veins are closer to the skin, like the great and small saphenous veins.
- Deep veins: These veins, such as the femoral and popliteal veins, run deeper within the muscles.
Smaller veins, called perforators, connect these systems and help keep blood flowing. When a clot forms in the deep veins, it can partially or completely block circulation. This can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
Early diagnosis is key to preventing complications like a pulmonary embolism.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of DVT
Sometimes, DVT shows no warning signs. As many as 50% of patients with DVT will have no symptoms at all. These silent DVTs can resolve without treatment or may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism (PE). A pulmonary embolus occurs when a blood clot from the deep veins travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and potentially causing life-threatening damage.

DVT can sometimes develop without noticeable symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they often affect the legs.Â
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Pain or Tenderness: Often starts in the calf or thigh and can feel like cramping, soreness, or a dull ache.
- Warmth: The skin over the affected area, typically the calf or thigh, may feel unusually warm to the touch.
- Swelling (Edema): One leg may appear larger or puffier than the other, particularly around the ankle, calf, or thigh.
- Redness or Discoloration: The skin on the affected leg may appear reddish or slightly bluish in color.
These symptoms are warning signs of DVT and should not be ignored, as untreated DVT can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolus. If you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Diagnosing DVT early is crucial to prevent serious complications, such as a pulmonary embolus (PE).Â
Tests for Diagnosing DVT:
- Ultrasound: This is the most common test for diagnosing DVT. It uses sound waves to create images of the veins and detect blood clots.
- D-Dimer Blood Test: This blood test checks for elevated levels of substances released when a blood clot breaks apart. High levels may indicate a clot, but further imaging is needed to confirm DVT.
Tests for Diagnosing Pulmonary Embolus:
- CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA): This imaging test uses a CT scan with contrast dye to detect clots in the lungs.
- Ventilation-Perfusion (V/Q) Scan: This test measures airflow and blood flow in the lungs to identify blockages caused by clots.
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Treatment Options for DVT
When it comes to treating DVT, the main goal is to stop the clot from growing, prevent new clots, and reduce complications. Dr. Oswalt uses a range of proven treatments to help patients recover:
- Blood Thinners (Anticoagulation):Â This is the most common treatment for DVT. Blood thinners, taken orally or by injection, help prevent the clot from getting bigger and reduce the risk of future clots.
- Clot-Dissolving Medication (Pharmacologic Thrombolysis):Â In some cases, medication is delivered directly to the clot through a catheter to dissolve it.
- Minimally Invasive or Surgical Clot Removal:Â For severe cases, procedures can physically remove the clot, improving blood flow quickly.
- Compression Stockings:Â These are often used for small clots below the knee. Compression stockings help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Movement and Activity (Ambulation):Â Gentle movement and walking can help prevent the clot from worsening and reduce symptoms.
- IVC Filter: If blood thinners are not an option, a small mesh filter can be placed in the vein to stop clots from traveling to the lungs.
Dr. Oswalt will work with you to determine the best treatment approach based on your specific condition and overall health.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis
Vacations are a particularly dangerous time for DVT. Travel on an airplane, car, bus, or train increases your risk, especially if you have recently had surgery, are pregnant, are overweight, or have a history of blood clots.
The risk of DVT should not keep you from traveling if you take these simple steps:
- Wear compression stockings while traveling. These stockings help increase the circulation in your legs. Make sure to purchase medical-grade stockings.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine or alcohol because both are dehydrating.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes during the trip.
- Get up out of your seat every hour or two. In an airplane, it is helpful to request an aisle seat so it is easier to stretch out and move around. In a car, stop at a gas station or rest area and walk around every couple of hours.
- While seated, rotate your ankles, draw circles on the ground with your toes, flex your feet and toes, and raise your legs slightly, holding them in the air for a few seconds.
Why Choose Dr. Barry Oswalt?
Dr. Barry Oswalt has years of experience treating venous diseases and has performed thousands of successful procedures. He is board-certified in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and started his career as a general surgeon. Over time, he realized many of his patients with vein issues were not getting the care they needed. This inspired him to focus on improving treatment options for conditions like DVT.
At Fort Worth Vein Center, Dr. Oswalt uses modern, minimally invasive techniques to deliver effective care with faster recovery times. Patients trust him for his skill, experience, and straightforward approach to solving complex vein problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cancer increases the risk of DVT because it can make the blood more likely to clot. Certain cancers and treatments, like chemotherapy, can damage blood vessels or slow circulation, increasing clotting risk. Cancer patients should monitor for DVT symptoms and discuss their risk with their doctor.
Pregnancy raises the risk of DVT due to hormonal changes and pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. To manage this risk, doctors often recommend wearing compression stockings, staying active, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. In some cases, we may prescribe blood thinners to reduce clotting risk.
While DVT can happen to anyone, it is more common in older adults, people with limited mobility, or those with medical conditions that increase clotting risk.
DVT most commonly develops in the lower legs, especially the deep veins of the calf and thigh. However, DVT can also occur in other areas, including the arms, pelvis, and, in rare cases, the chest. Factors like immobility, surgery, or certain medical conditions can increase the risk of DVT in these areas.
If DVT is not treated properly, it can lead to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), which causes chronic leg pain, swelling, and skin discoloration. Long-term complications can affect mobility and quality of life.
Contact Us in Fort Worth
If you are concerned about DVT, please call our Fort Worth vein doctor at 817-536-9600 or contact us online to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our mission is to provide you with the highest-quality medical care available in an affordable manner.