SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Health professionals in the Springfield area are reminding the community that a lack of movement and recent injuries can significantly raise the risk of blood clots, a warning underscored by the recent diagnosis of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Clot concerns highlighted by a high‑profile case
Hurts was first found to have a superficial clot in his calf, a type of clot that forms just under the skin and is usually not life‑threatening. Further testing, however, revealed a deep‑vein thrombosis (DVT) in larger veins, and pieces of the clot have broken off and traveled to his lungs, creating a serious pulmonary embolism.
Medical explanation of clot formation
According to Dr. Madhu Kalyan Pendurthi, a pulmonary and critical‑care specialist at Mercy, “The risk factors for developing clots in the general population increase with immobility. If somebody had a recent surgery, if somebody had an injury, that would kind of keep them limited in their ability to kind of move around.”
Doctors note that clots can form when blood flow slows, allowing clotting factors to accumulate. When a clot forms in a deep vein, it can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Common risk factors
Beyond immobility, several other factors raise clot risk for anyone, including:
- Recent surgery or major injury
- Long‑duration flights (over four hours) due to extended sitting
- Obesity
- Family history of clotting disorders
- Women taking estrogen‑containing medications
While the CDC emphasizes that clot fragments can travel to the lungs, the primary prevention strategy remains simple: stay active and move regularly, especially after surgery or injury.
Symptoms and treatment options
Typical signs of a clot include swelling, pain, warmth, or redness in the affected limb. If a clot travels to the lungs, symptoms may include sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or coughing up blood.
Treatment ranges from anticoagulant medication (blood thinners) to surgical intervention in severe cases. Early detection and prompt medical care are crucial for a positive outcome.
Local advice for Springfield residents
Springfield doctors encourage residents to incorporate regular movement into daily routines, especially during long trips or periods of recovery. Simple actions such as walking every hour on a long flight, performing ankle pumps after surgery, and staying hydrated can lower clot risk.
For those with a personal or family history of clotting disorders, discussing preventive measures with a primary‑care physician is advisable. Early screening and, when appropriate, prophylactic blood‑thinner therapy can be life‑saving.
When to seek medical attention
If you experience unexplained swelling, pain, or shortness of breath, seek medical evaluation promptly. Early intervention can prevent a clot from progressing to a more serious pulmonary embolism.
For more information on clot prevention and treatment, Springfield residents can contact local hospitals, Mercy’s pulmonary‑care department, or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Original reporting: KY3 Springfield (local) — read the source article.
