Doctors Consider Superficial Blood Clots to Be Less Risky Than Deep Blood Clots
A clot that forms in the deep veins is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots can travel to the lungs and stop blood flow, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Superficial clots are different.
“Superficial clots are usually less serious and most often go away on their own in a few weeks,” Rockman says. “However, it is important to note that a superficial clot can sometimes progress into the deep veins, especially if it’s extensive or close to where the leg vein joins the deep system near the groin or behind the knee.”
For this reason, superficial blood clots “should not be ignored,” says Dr. Yi.
These Blood Clots Can Be Simple to Diagnose
Superficial blood clots are usually diagnosed by a physical exam and confirmed with an ultrasound, according to Rockman. “You can often feel the superficial clot in the vein under your fingers, like a really hard worm,” Shutze says. “It’s pretty obvious that something is going on.”
Treatment depends on the clot’s size and location, says Rockman. “Mild cases can often be treated with warm compresses and with anti-inflammatory pain relievers like ibuprofen,” she says. “Larger superficial clots or those near the deep veins might require blood thinners.”
The Prognosis Is Usually Good With a Superficial Blood Clot, but There’s a Lot of Variability
“The length someone is out depends on the severity, size, and location of the clot, along with treatment,” Rockman says. Most superficial blood clots require anti-inflammatory medication, and there’s no need to alter a person’s activities, especially if they have a desk job, she says.
But people with physical jobs, including athletes, may need to take a few days off or do lighter duties for a few days, Shutze says.
“Extremely extensive, very painful, or larger superficial clots may require blood thinners and are often treated for approximately six weeks,” Rockman says. “Contact sports or activities with a high risk of injury may be reduced while patients are on blood thinners because of an increased bleeding risk should a serious injury occur.”
The Eagles have not shared an update on Hurts’s health since the original announcement.
Source link