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Blood Clots and COVID-19

New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, is also responsible for severe damage to blood vessels increasing the risk of blood clots. One Amsterdam study found that almost one-third of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 demonstrated complications from blood clots.

A blood clot is a clump of blood formed when blood changes from a liquid to a thicker gel-like state. Ordinarily, this can be a life-saving mechanism to help stop bleeding; however, when the clot breaks off, it can travel through the bloodstream choking the supply of blood to essential organs such as the lungs (causing a Pulmonary Embolism) or the brain (causing a stroke).

Patients admitted to the hospital are more likely to have blood clots in the blood vessels of the legs due to immobility while hospitalized. Staying active, use of compression stockings, sequential compression devices, and, in select cases, the use of blood thinner can help lower the risk of clots.

COVID-19 Blood Clots

COVID-19 Blood Clots

covid toesThere are also reports of blood clots in patients with COVID-19 who are at home and staying active. Swelling in the legs is the most common sign of blood clots. Some patients with COVID-19 develop a condition called “Covid toes” – red, swollen toes that may be due to small clots in the blood vessels of the feet.

If you have leg swelling, pain in the legs, or any other sign of a blood clot, please call us at 816-396-0245 to have a duplex ultrasound screening test for blood clots. This is performed in the comfort of the office setting at Alsara Vein Clinic.

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Infection / Leg Ulcers

Infection / Venous Ulcer

Suspect a Blood Clot in Leg?

Left untreated, symptoms of varicose veins such as pain, fatigue, and swelling of the legs or ankles worsen over time. You may develop venous ulcers. Ulcers due to varicose veins are painful and difficult to heal unless the underlying venous backflow is corrected. Blood that pools in the varicose veins is depleted of oxygen and nutrients. The walls of these veins are already weakened and increased pressure allows red blood cells and fluid to leak into the tissues of the leg. This in turn causes swelling, pain, tingling, and numbness in the legs and feet. 

Chronic inflammation that develops from leakage makes the skin dark and discolored, commonly known as hyperpigmentation. Over time, the skin and surrounding fat under the skin can also get increasingly irritated and inflamed turning the tissue rubbery and firm; a condition called lipodermatosclerosis.

Another possible consequence of untreated varicose veins is spontaneous bleeding from the varicose veins. Bleeding may occur even from a minor injury to your legs and cause significant loss of blood in a short amount of time.

Your Venous Ulcer Specialist at Alsara Vein Clinic will perform a detailed examination and discuss the best treatment options. It is never too late to seek care. Call 816-396-0245 for a Consultation.

Progression of Varicose Veins can lead to Venous Ulcers and Infection

progression of varicose veins can lead to leg ulcers and skin infection

Varicose Vein Treatments are coved by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid

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Insurance/Self-Pay

Insurance / Self-Pay

Insurance

Alsara Vein Clinic accepts almost all insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare.

We also accept payment options such as HSA, FSA, HRA, Credit Cards, Check, CareCredit™, payment plans, and financial assistance (on a case-by-case basis). For those with veteran's benefits, we do work with the Veteran's Administration (VA).

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Self-Pay

Don't have health insurance, or if you have health insurance but your plan does not cover varicose vein treatment? You may qualify for discounted pricing as detailed in our Transparent Pricing Worksheet. You may request a copy from Patient Account Services.

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