Deep Vein Thrombosis is a venous disorder that develops into deeper veins that are directly connected to the heart. In this condition, blood clots start to form inside the veins and there is also a potential risk that the clots may break and enter the bloodstream from where they can enter the lungs and cause life-threatening complications.

Post Thrombotic Syndrome is a chronic complication of deep vein thrombosis. The condition is characterized by persistent chronic pain, swelling, and other symptoms that affect the mobility of the limb. In rare cases, ulcers also develop as a complication of DVT. 

It is important that you understand the chronicity of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) and take effective steps to prevent this complication from arising. However, it won’t be possible unless you have a deeper understanding of the condition itself and what leads to PTS. 

So, today, you will get to learn more about Deep Vein Thrombosis and Post Thrombotic Syndrome, how they are related to each other, and what should be done to manage, treat, and prevent both of them.  

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which blood clots start to form inside the deeper veins and disrupt the proper flow of blood. It causes swelling in the foot, ankle, or leg along with symptoms like- 

• cramping 
• severe pain 
• warm skin 
• red or blue-colored skin 

These symptoms are usually present when DVT occurs in the lower extremity whereas, in the upper extremities, noticeable symptoms of the condition may not be present. However, in some cases, symptoms may appear in upper extremities as well. The common symptoms are neck pain, shoulder pain, weakness in the hand, swelling in the arm or hand, etc. But these symptoms can also be associated with other minor conditions. 

In the cases where clear symptoms are absent, many people fail to identify how severe the problem is and it may lead to other conditions, such as- 

• Thromboembolism 
• Postphlebitic syndrome 
• Post-thrombotic syndrome 

In severe cases, DVT can also lead to pulmonary embolism (fatal) if a clot breaks loose and reaches the lungs. 

Also Read: What Is DVT? Its Complications and Treatment

What is Post-Thrombotic Syndrome?

Post-thrombotic syndrome is a condition that arises in people who have had DVT at some point. It develops over the long term when the valves are severely damaged. The condition affects mobility and causes redness, swelling, chronic pain, and ulcers, specifically in the legs. If this condition start developing, you will experience the following symptoms- 

• Aching, swelling, and pain in the legs 
• Heaviness and itching 
• Tingling sensation 
• Cramps in the legs 
• Ulcers or sores 

Furthermore, the treatment for PTS is very expensive which is why it’s best to take preventative measures firsthand. 

Note– The pathophysiology of post-thrombotic syndrome is not completely understood as of right now. Therefore, most doctors strictly advise a DVT patient to take the necessary measures to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome. 

Treatment & Management of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) 

The methods used for the management and treatment of DVT has the following goals- 

• To prevent the blood clots from getting bigger 
• To prevent the clots from breaking loose and entering the bloodstream 
• Reduce the chances of another DVT

Various measures can be taken in the earlier stages to prevent the condition from advancing, such as- 

• Using blood-thinning medications, such as heparin, enoxaparin, and fondaparinux.
• Using clot busters, also known as thrombolytics that are drugs that are injected directly into a blood clot.
• Compression stockings can also reduce the chances of blood pooling and prevent DVT from becoming chronic. 

If these methods don’t work, only then the doctor will use surgical procedures to treat deep vein thrombosis. The surgical procedures are- 

• IVC Filter- A filter is placed inside the main vein- inferior vena cava (IVC) to stop the blood clot from moving and causing complications. The filter is inserted through an incision around the abdomen and the surgery is performed with the help of an X-ray. 
• Thrombectomy or Venous Thrombectomy- This procedure involves the complete removal of the clot through a small incision. After the removal of the clot, the vessels and tissues are repaired. 
• Angioplasty– It is another procedure performed with the help of the balloon suction technique to inflate the vein. A stent is placed to hold the vein open and the blood clot is removed safely. 

The surgical procedures are not without risks and even if you get surgical treatment for DVT, it will further increase the risk of PTS. Therefore, the best way is to prevent DVT from progressing entirely, which we will discuss later in this blog.  

Read More: Thrombectomy For DVT

Treatment & Management of Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) 

Currently, there is no specific treatment available for the post-thrombotic syndrome that occurs in the upper extremities. However, in the lower extremity, doctors recommend treatment options, such as leg elevation, compression therapy with stockings, pharmacotherapy, herbal remedies, use of electrostimulation devices, and wound care for leg ulcers. 

Procedures like thrombectomy/thrombolysis, venous ablation, sclerotherapy, venoplasty, and venous stenting can also be helpful to alleviate the symptoms. But the best thing you can do is to take prevention measures and decrease the risk of DVT to avoid getting PTS. 

How to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis? 

As mentioned above, the only way to prevent PTS is to keep DVT in control and make significant changes in your lifestyle. Here are some prevention tips that will lower the chances of DVT formation- 

• Take good care of your body and it means that you adopt a healthy and active lifestyle, stop smoking and lose extra weight as soon as possible. 
• If you or any member of your family has a history of venous problems, it is important that you get checked and visit the doctor regularly to keep such problems at bay. 
• Avoid sitting for long periods. Take breaks and stretch your legs after every 2 hours to maintain the blood flow. 
• If you have any medical condition that requires surgery, take good care of the body post-surgery. The chances of developing DVT after surgery are higher. Therefore, it is advised that if you are bedridden, wear compression stockings and take blood thinners to prevent the formation of blood clots. 

Moving around is very important for the overall health of the body. Sitting in one place for prolonged hours can have worse consequences than you could have imagined. 

Consult An Expert Vascular Surgeon for DVT Treatment 

Around half of the people who get DVT also develop PTS as a long-term complication. It is crucial that you address the problem right away and consult an experienced vascular surgeon. 

You can get in touch with Pristyn Care and book a free consultation with any of our doctors. They will provide the best-quality deep vein thrombosis treatment and also help to ensure that the risk of PTS is minimized.