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Keeping Deadly Clots at Bay after Foot Surgery
Medication, movement can prevent DVT, pulmonary embolism
#NaplesFL #EsteroFL #CapeCoralFL — Each year in the United States, pulmonary embolisms (PE) kill more people than AIDS, breast cancer and motor vehicle crashes combined. According to Naples, FL foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS, DABLES, DABPS, this little known condition occurs when a blood clot in the leg travels to the lungs, blocking one or more arteries.
A large pulmonary embolism at the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery (saddle embolism).
Most recently, news that tennis star Serena Williams suffered a PE after undergoing surgery is raising awareness about the condition, its risk factors and how to prevent the potentially deadly condition from occurring.
The blood clots that cause PE often originate in the deep veins of the leg, a condition called deep vein thrombosis or DVT.
Dr. Lam explains that women are at the highest risk for blood clots and pulmonary embolism as well as men and women who are overweight, smokers and those taking oral contraceptives. “Surgery is also one of the leading causes of blood clots in patients, which means those at highest risk need to be diligent in speaking to their surgeon about their elevated risks so preventive measures can be taken,” Dr. Lam said.
Patients facing surgery should take note, though, that blood clots in the leg are relatively rare after foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Lam said. In addition, the clots can be prevented with medication and exercise.
Depending on a patient’s risk factors, the surgeon may decide to prescribe an anti-clotting medication to prevent DVT. The most common medications are low-molecular weight heparins, which patients inject into their arm, leg or stomach for about two to three weeks after surgery.
Patients with confirmed DVT, which is diagnosed with an ultrasound, may be put on warfarin (Coumadin) for six months to a year to prevent new clots from forming.
Patients also would be advised to get up and move around after surgery — even if they are wearing a cast or using crutches.
“The biggest recommendation you see in the airline magazines when you’re flying is to move your legs to prevent DVT, because people who sit on a long flight have a high incidence of DVT,” Dr. Lam explained. “Similarly, if you’re sitting after surgery and the blood is not moving in the calf and you’re not exercising, you could end up with a clot in your calf. Surgeons have learned over the years that getting people moving after surgery will reduce the risk of a clot causing a pulmonary embolism.”
Passengers suffering from heart disease, phlebitis, blood coagulation problems and those recovering from venous surgery to the legs are most at risk. Do these in flight exercises, courtesy of Eva Air
Symptoms of pulmonary embolisms vary and can mimic those of other conditions such as a heart attack. The most common signs include sudden, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain and a cough that produces blood-tinged mucus. “Other symptoms may include wheezing, leg swelling, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat and fainting,” adds Dr. Lam. “Pulmonary embolisms can occur quickly, and prompt medical attention is vital for recovery, so patients need to seek care if they are suffering from any of the symptoms associated with the condition.”
If you are suffering from foot or lower leg pain or have concerns about your foot health, call Dr. Lam’s office at at (239) 430 3668 for an evaluation.
For more information on taking care of your feet and ankles, visit the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ website, FootHealthFacts.org.
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9510 Corkscrew Palms Circle #3, Estero, FL 33928
530 S.E. 16th place, Suite A Cape coral, FL 33990
730 Goodlette Road, Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102
840 111th avenue north, Suite #3, Naples, FL 34108
12250 Tamiami Trail East, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34113
Dr. Drew Chapman
Dr. Melissa Hurwitz (Fellow)
Dr. Rikhil Patel
Dr. Kevin Lam
