Post-thrombotic syndrome can cause leg pain, leg ulcerations, and swelling.
Post-thrombotic syndrome isnt diagnosed right after you have a DVT.
You might be diagnosed with PTS three months to two years after your initial DVT.
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In DVT, ablood clotblocks off some of the blood that is returning to the heart.
This can cause symptoms like pain and swelling in the area where the blockage happens.
Where Does DVT Occur?
DVTs most commonly occur in the leg, especially the calf.
In most people, symptoms of a DVT completely go away within a month or so.
However, in some people, it causes more long-term symptoms, called post-thrombotic syndrome.
Some of the symptoms following the DVT may never fully go away, and some new ones can appear.
Estimates vary, but between 20% and 50% of people experience post-thrombotic syndrome after having a DVT.
About 5% of people experience severe PTS symptoms.
When valves are damaged, the blood pressure inside the veins of your leg becomes higher than normal.
This leads to the symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome, such as swelling and pain in the calf.
What Are the Symptoms of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome?
Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome can range from mild to severe problems that significantly impact your quality of life.
Some potential signs and symptoms include:
How long does post-thrombotic syndrome last?
They may be worse while standing or walking and better while resting and elevating the leg.
If you develop post-thrombotic syndrome, you will get a sense of your own regular symptoms.
However, if your symptoms suddenly worsen, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
They can monitor your symptoms as they diminish after your initial DVT.
They can also be alert to the possibility of post-thrombotic syndrome and get you diagnosed promptly.
Let them know if your symptoms went away but seem to have come back.
How Is Post-Thrombotic Syndrome Diagnosed?
A medical professional will review your medical history and current symptoms, and perform a physical exam.
Having DVT in the past is a significant indicator of potential post-thrombotic syndrome.
When Is Post-Thrombotic Syndrome Diagnosed?
Post-thrombotic syndrome is usually diagnosed within a couple of years after a person has had their DVT.
Can Post-Thrombotic Syndrome Be Cured?
Unfortunately, treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome is very limited.
There aren’t good treatments to improve symptoms or reverse the changes that cause the condition.
Some clinicians recommend continuing anticoagulation treatment in people with post-thrombotic syndrome.
Exercise With Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
Exercise is another important component of managing post-thrombotic syndrome.
Your healthcare provider can work with you to suggest exercises that will be practical for you.
These can help you improve your leg strength, flexibility, and overall cardiovascular health.
Exercise can be particularly helpful if you’re overweight.
In those instances, a diet promoting weight loss may also help reduce symptoms.
A diagnosis of post-thrombotic syndrome is often delayed due to the prolonged nature of DVT symptoms.
Exercise and other lifestyle interventions are a cornerstone of prevention.
However, your leg may never be completely as it was before.
They may suggest things to lower your risk, like wearing compression hose and moving your legs often.
Additionally, people who have a DVT but do not get post-thrombotic syndrome are unlikely to qualify.
Your health care provider can connect you with someone who can help you investigate.
Post-thrombotic syndrome is a well-known medical issue that affects some people who have previously had a DVT.
It has its own ICD code for billing, so at least some aspects of care should be covered.
Check with your insurance company about the coverage of specific interventions suggested by your healthcare team.
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