A care provider based in Stamford and Rutland is supporting national Deep-Vein Thrombosis Awareness Month, an initiative aiming to raise awareness of this commonly occurring medical condition and its potentially fatal complication pulmonary embolism.

A deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins deep within the leg, usually in the calf or thigh, however it can occur in other veins of the body also. If a part of this clot separates, it can travel through the body and lodge in a lung artery or pulmonary artery. This process is known as embolization and can be fatal.

Although DVT is common and a major cause of death in the UK, many people have little or no understanding of its causes and effects. 

How can you spot a DVT?

You may experience:

• throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh
• swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
• warm skin around the painful area
• red or darkened skin around the painful area
• swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them

Your chances of getting deep-vein thrombosis increase if you are immobile, overweight or older, and surgical patients have the highest risk, with one in three potentially developing it if no preventative treatment is given.

The NHS have recommended ways to prevent a DVT from occurring:

• stay a healthy weight
• stay active – taking regular walks can help
• drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration – DVT is more likely if you're dehydrated
• do not sit still for long periods of time – get up and move around every hour or so
• do not cross your legs while you're sitting, it can restrict blood flow
• do not smoke
• do not drink lots of alcohol

Lisa MacKenzie, Director of Bluebird Care Stamford & Rutland, a local care provider supporting the month-long initiative, commented: "We know that many of our customers have a greater risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis. Our highly trained staff provide expert care to prevent it from developing and are vigilant to spot symptoms early to get treatment as quickly as possible. 

Raising awareness this month could truly save lives and Bluebird Care is one hundred percent behind the campaign."

Bluebird Care is a national provider of care in the home, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions.

They offer tailored care visits which range from anything from 30 minutes to full live-in support. As well as personal care they also help with meal preparation, welfare checks, shopping, social trips, visits to the hospital and provide extra support for post-discharge customers.

For more information, contact Bluebird Care on 01780 480 881, email [email protected] or visit their website.