If I have had an extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is it common to have symptoms of swelling, pain, changes in skin color and varicose veins?
The symptoms of chronic swelling, swelling with standing, redness, dilated blood vessels and pain are relatively common after a significant thrombosis has occurred. These symptoms are collectively referred to as post–phlebitic syndrome (PBS). PBS may occur for months following the formation of a clot or may become chronic after repeated clots or if the first clot was large. It may be hard to determine whether the symptoms of leg swelling are from a new clot or from PBS. Symptomatic management includes using a compression garment (often prescribed to provide a specific degree of pressure), maintaining circulation (blood flow) with standing and moving on a regular basis, avoiding long periods of standing still, drinking plenty of fluids and elevating the affected area. Seeking your physician’s advice is important if symptoms continue, change, or you are concerned that a new clot has developed. Tests are now available to help distinguish old clots from new clots.
Related Questions
- If I have had an extensive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is it common to have symptoms of swelling, pain, changes in skin color and varicose veins?
- What is done to minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis/ pulmonary embolism or DVT/PE?
- What is a blood clot (also called DVT or Deep vein thrombosis) and is it preventable?
