What If Only One Leg Suddenly Swells and Hurts? Missing the Golden Time for 'This' Is Dangerous

Have you ever experienced only one leg suddenly swelling, feeling painful, warm to the touch, and the skin turning red? If so, this may not be simple swelling, but a signal of a very dangerous condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This disease matches remarkably well with 'qi stagnation and blood stasis' mentioned in Donguibogam, where qi and blood stagnation and blood stasis clump together to block blood vessels. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a thrombus, or blood clot, forms in the deep veins of our body and blocks the blood vessel. It mainly occurs in the deep veins of the legs, especially the calves or thighs. When this thrombus blocks the vessel, the blood that needs to return to the heart from the leg below stagnates, causing edema, and the increased pressure inside the vessel causes pain. Due to the inflammatory reaction caused by the thrombus, the skin may also turn red and feel warm. What makes this disease serious is that it does not stop at the leg simply swelling and hurting. If a piece of the thrombus formed in the leg breaks off, travels through the blood flow, and blocks the pulmonary artery, it can lead to a fatal complication called pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism is an emergency that can cause sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. For this reason, deep vein thrombosis is sometimes called a silent killer. Recognizing early symptoms without missing the golden time is truly important. It is also important to know the major risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. When movement is reduced and blood circulation slows down, such as during long flights or prolonged bed rest after surgery, the blood enters a state prone to coagulation, increasing the likelihood of thrombus formation. In addition, cancer, certain autoimmune diseases, taking oral contraceptives containing estrogen, pregnancy, and obesity can also be factors that increase the risk of thrombus formation. The 'damp-heat' discussed in Donguibogam can be interpreted in modern medicine as a state related to inflammation or an imbalance of coagulation factors in the blood, while 'qi stagnation' can be linked to a state of reduced blood circulation. To explain the symptoms in a bit more detail, the most common symptom is sudden edema and pain in one leg. In particular, the calf area swells more severely, may feel hard to the touch, or may present with tenderness. Pain may worsen when walking, and the skin color of the leg may turn red or bluish. However, sometimes there are almost no symptoms or they are very mild and difficult to notice, requiring even greater caution. If these symptoms appear, you must visit a hospital immediately without hesitation. At the hospital, deep vein thrombosis is diagnosed through blood tests (D-dimer test), vascular ultrasonography, and other evaluations. Following diagnosis, treatment begins with the administration of anticoagulants to prevent the thrombus from growing larger, to prevent new thrombi from forming, and to help the already formed thrombus resolve. In some cases, thrombolytic agents are used or thrombectomy procedures are considered. Above all, prevention and early detection are crucial. If you have an occupation that involves sitting or standing for long periods, doing intermittent stretches or light walking is of great help to blood circulation. Adequate fluid intake is also important, and wearing medical compression stockings is a good method. The importance of the circulation of qi and blood emphasized in Donguibogam connects to the importance of blood circulation in modern medicine, reminding us once again that healthy circulation in our body is essential to maintaining health. Listening to the small signals of our body and seeking professional help in a timely manner is the wise approach.