Whether you are stuck at home or working long shifts during this current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, both scenarios can put you at even bigger risk for developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot. DVT affects many Americans each year. DVT is the condition that occurs when a blood clot, which is a clump of cells in a solid form, is created in a vein located deep inside your body such as inside the thigh or leg. How informed are you about blood clots and DVT? Here are 8 things you probably did not know.

The symptoms of DVT can be hard to detect.

There can be no symptoms at all. Since there is also no regular testing for DVT, this makes many serious blood clots go undetected until it is too late. If symptoms are present, they may include:

• Swelling in legs or arms
• Pain or tenderness
• Increased warmth, cramps, or aching
• Red or discolored skin

While there are other causes, inactivity is a leading cause of blood clots.

Other causes may include injuries, surgeries, and certain medications (such as estrogen-based birth control), but inactivity is still a leading cause of blood clots and DVT. The good news is it is very preventable since you can be conscious of how much time you spend sitting, adding in more activity, and wearing compression socks when you must sit or stand long periods. Incorporating several walks a day is a great habit to start.

Having a family history of blood clots contributes to your risk.

Certain genetic conditions can predisposition you to have a higher risk of developing a clot. Certain races and ethnicities have a higher risk than others. Overall, men are more likely than women by a small percentage to develop a blood clot.

Those with diabetes and cancer are at a higher risk.

Undergoing cancer treatments also contributes to your risk of developing a blood clot. Conditions of the heart and lungs also may increase your risk.

There are exercises you can do while sitting.

If you are a frequent flier, for example, you may already know that you need to wear compression socks on long flights, but have you considered periodically taking part in doing some stretches and exercises right in your seat? Jobs where you must sit or stand in the same place for long periods put you at higher risk too. You could try some knee pulls, foot pumps, and ankle circles to increase your blood flow.

You might not be doing enough prevention to keep your risk lower.

Here is what you can for prevention and having a healthy lifestyle:

• Avoid sitting for long periods; if you must sit or stand for your job long, wear full-length compression socks
• Exercise 3 or more times a week for 20 minutes or more
• If you are overweight, commit to losing excess body fat
• If you are a smoker, begin measures to quit smoking

Anybody can get blood clots at any age.

According to the Blood Clot Recovery Network, which is “a community where blood clot patients, and their families and friends, can join together to find information and support to help aid in recovery from the often life-changing impact of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE),” blood clots can affect people of various ages and conditions, although certain aspects certainly do increase your risk. Being 55 years of age and older, for example, does increase the risk, but a younger person can also get a blood clot.

Every year, 60,000-100,000 Americans die of DVT/PE (also called venous thromboembolism) also annually, between 600,000 and 900,000 people are estimated to endure a DVT no matter what the outcome is. This condition can cause serious disability and be life changing. Surviving and recovering from a blood clot can be a difficult process.

Physix Gear Sport is the world leader in the production of medical quality compression socks which increase blood flow, prevent pooling of the blood in the legs, and are a top tool in the necessary prevention of blood clots and DVT if you are at a heightened risk for developing these issues. Click here to check out our compression socks: Order risk-free today with a 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back. Our shipping department remains fully operational during the COVID-19 pandemic.