A blocked vein that causes swelling in the ankle is a condition called deep vein thrombosis. The blockage involves the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein in the thigh or lower leg that blocks blood flow. Quick and effective treatment for deep vein thrombosis is important. Left untreated, the blood clot can break off and travel to the lungs. This condition is called a pulmonary embolism, and may be life-threatening.
Medications
The goal of medications for deep vein thrombosis is to stop the clot from getting bigger and, possibly, to break up an existing clot. The most common medications used for this purpose are blood thinners, or anticoagulants. Blood thinners work decreasing the blood's ability to clot, which prevents the clot from getting bigger and decreases the chances of new clots forming. MayoClinic.com notes that blood thinners cannot break up existing clots. Initial treatment stages involve injections of blood thinners directly into the vein. Oral blood thinners are given after a few days of intravenous treatment.
Clot busters, or thrombolytics, are another class of medication that may be used to treat a blocked vein in the leg. Clot busters are administered intravenously and work by quickly dissolving existing blood clots. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes that because clot busters carry a risk for severe bleeding, they are only used in life-threatening situations.
Vena Cava Filter
A vena cava filter is a treatment option used for those who are not able to take blood thinners or for those who continue to develop blood clots even while on blood thinners. A vena cava filter is an umbrella-shaped wire insert that is placed directly into the vena cava, a large vein that carries blood back to the heart from other parts of the body. The vena cava filter works by catching blood clots that break off from the legs and prevents them from traveling into the lungs. Although this method is effective in preventing complications from blood clots in the legs, it does not prevent new clots from forming.
Graduated Compression Stockings
Graduated compression stockings are worn from just above or below the knee down to the arch of the foot, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The stocking is tighter around the ankle and becomes looser as it travels up the leg in an attempt to create pressure that keeps the blood from pooling and forming clots. Graduated compression stockings reduce the swelling in the leg that occurs as a result of the blood clot, and are available over-the-counter or via prescription.
