Professional’s three tricks to forestall blood clots – 1 / 4 of Britons in danger
Blot clots are tiny clumps of blood that kind a gel-like substance.
While a certain quantity of clotting is critical to stop extreme bleeding, clots that don’t dissolve naturally may be harmful.
This is as a result of they’ll break free and journey across the physique, doubtlessly reducing off blood provide to sure organs, making them a “silent killer”.
One knowledgeable has warned that greater than 1 / 4 of Britons may very well be vulnerable to clots as a consequence of inactivity.
Siobhan McCutcheon, principal podiatrist and director of Market Street Clinic, spoke with Express.co.uk citing a latest YouGov ballot that confirmed 26 p.c of individuals within the UK don’t train frequently.
She stated: “A sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity or exercise can lead to poor circulation in your legs, ankles and feet, which increases the risk of developing blood clots.
“The blood flow to your lower extremities slows down and begins to pool in the muscular bed of your calves and feet, which makes it easier for clots to form.
“This can lead to throbbing, swelling, redness and warmth in the legs, feet and arms.
“They are proven life-threatening if not treated quickly, resulting in heart attacks, strokes, and damage to the body’s organs.”
What may be carried out to stop blood clots?
She shared 3 ways to stop blood clots forming within the toes.
Simple, quick workouts
As lengthy durations of immobility can result in impaired blood circulation; to stop blood clot formation, there are easy workouts you are able to do to scale back the danger of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in a deep vein.
Siobhan added: “Even walking for 15 minutes a day has been shown to increase blood flow to the legs and feet.
“For ankle rotations to enhance blood circulation, raise your feet slightly off the floor facing upwards and rotate your ankles clockwise, hold for a few seconds then return to starting position and repeat 10 times.
“Do this again by rotating your ankles anti-clockwise”
DVT prevention footwear
Compression stockings can be utilized to alleviate ache and swelling within the legs and toes and cut back the chance of creating blood clots, however they must be fitted by a health care provider and can’t be purchased over-the-counter at a pharmacy.
Siobhan suggested: “However, ‘flight socks’ work similarly to compression stockings and increase blood flow, prevent swelling and reduce the risk of DVT, especially when sat down for long periods of time.”
Podiatrists might help with treating poor circulation within the toes and advise you on preventive measures you’ll be able to take to scale back creating clots.
Speak to a specialist
Podiatrists might help with treating poor circulation within the toes and advise you on preventive measures you’ll be able to take to scale back creating clots.
Siobhan stated: “Podiatrists can help manage your DVT through blood-thinning medications called anticoagulants or provide lifestyle tips like frequent exercise and drinking water to improve blood flow.”
If you assume you will have a blood clot the NHS advises calling 111 instantly.
This consists of experiencing signs equivalent to:
- Throbbing or cramping ache, swelling, redness and heat in a leg or arm
- Sudden breathlessness, sharp chest ache (could also be worse once you breathe in) and a cough or coughing up blood.