What is deep vein thrombosis?
A blood clot, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a collection of blood in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis that has changed from liquid to solid. These are the large veins that transport most of the blood back to the heart. The formation of blood clots may occur due to damage/trauma to the vein wall, blockage of blood flow or as a response to trauma or surgery where elements of the blood are more likely to form clots.
Some patients have a higher risk of forming blood clots as a result of inherited blood conditions or underlying conditions, such as cancer. Clots may dissolve by themselves but often they don’t and may cause leg swelling and skin problems, such as eczema or leg ulcers. Sometimes, a piece of clot may break off and travel to the lungs causing a pulmonary embolus (PE). This may be life-threatening and needs urgent medical treatment.
After any surgery keep your compression stockings on for the recommended time and take the medication recommended.
Medical-grade compression socks help keep blood flowing.
What are the symptoms of DVT?
Blood clots most often form in the legs. Symptoms may include:
- leg swelling
- pain or cramping in the leg, especially the calf
- sensation of a pulled a muscle, when you haven’t
- the area is red, swollen or warm.
Often, clots may not cause symptoms at all.
Your treatment options
Blood thinners are usually needed for treatment and to prevent the blood clot getting bigger and travelling to your lungs. The clot blocks the artery to the lungs and so can affect breathing and oxygenation of the blood. This is an urgent medical condition. Patients should call 111 with any of these symptoms:
- sudden shortness of breath
- chest pain or wheezing
- feeling dizzy or faint
- rapid pulse and/or rapid breathing.
Compression socks help reduce swelling
If you have leg swelling, varicose veins, leg ulcers or a previous DVT you may benefit from wearing compression socks or stockings. Likewise, if you stand or sit for long periods throughout the day. This includes travelling by car or plane.
It is important your compression sockings or socks fit well and are not too loose or too tight, so you get the maximum benefit. Medical-grade compression socks have graduated compression, which means the pressure at the ankle is greater than at the knee. They help to keep blood flowing, so blood or other fluid doesn’t gather at the ankle.
We often recommend class 1 grade compression socks, available in our online shop. These are strong but not too hard to put on. We also recommend a fitting by one of our nurses to make sure of the correct fit. Some patients may prefer or benefit from higher levels of compression, especially patients with lymphoedema.
We recommend a fitting by our nurse.