A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a condition in which a blood clot develops within a deep vein in your body, most commonly the thigh or calf. It is long known that exercise reduces the risk of a DVT, but recent evidence suggests that low- to moderate-intensity exercise might help alleviate pain and swelling associated with a DVT, as well as reduce the severity of complications.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise encourages healthy veins by promoting the flow of blood back to your heart and preventing blood from becoming stagnant, a risk factor for DVT. More specifically, exercise might decrease pain and swelling when used in conjunction with compression stockings after a DVT. According to a 2003 study published in "International Angiology," post-DVT patients who wore compression stockings and walked an average of 2.5 miles a day had significant improvement in pain, leg swelling and clinical well-being when compared with individuals restricted to bed rest. While it was previously believed that early mobilization increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, this study revealed that the incidence of pulmonary embolism was no greater in the walking group than the bed rest group.
In addition, exercise might also prove to be beneficial for post-thrombotic syndrome, or PTS, a common complication of DVT characterized by pain, swelling, heaviness, skin discoloration and varicose veins. In a study published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal" in 2010, researchers found that exercise improved the quality of life, decreased the severity of PTS, and boosted leg strength and flexibility in patients with PTS.
What to Do
Talk to your doctor before beginning any type of exercise program if you have had a DVT. Exercise might not be safe for you if your doctor is worried about a pulmonary embolism. Low- to moderate-intensity exercise such as walking appears to be both safe and effective for relieving symptoms of a DVT. It is currently unknown if participation in vigorous-intensity exercise after a DVT is safe.
DVT Prevention
Leg exercises are essential if you find yourself in a situation in which you are sitting or resting for prolonged periods, such as on a long bus, train or plane trip. These exercises will aid in the flow of blood out of the legs and will also prevent blood from pooling. WakeMed Health suggests doing toe raises and ankle circles every 20 minutes during periods of rest. Both of these exercises can be performed while seated, which is beneficial for those who have undergone surgery or are unable to walk. To do toe raises, raise toes up in both legs while keeping the heels on the ground. Lower your toes back down and repeat 30 times. For ankle circles, raise your right foot several inches off the ground. Move your foot in small clockwise circles for 30 seconds, then in the opposite direction for 30 seconds. Repeat on the left foot.
Warning
See your doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms of a DVT, including pain, red discoloration of the skin, swelling or increased warmth of the thigh or calf. Worrisome signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism that warrant a call to your doctor include shortness of breath, chest pain during inhalation, lightheadedness, coughing up blood or irregular heartbeat. Never attempt to treat a DVT without the help of a medical professional.
References
- "International Angiology"; "Leg Compression and Ambulation is Better Than Bed Rest for the Treatment of acute Deep Venous Thrombosis"; W. Blattler and H. Partsch; December 2003
- "Canadian Medical Association Journal"; "Six-Month Exercise Training Program to Treat Post-Thrombotic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Two-Centre Trial"; Dr. Susan Kahn et al; November 2010
- INATE: Mobility and Exercise after Deep-Vein Thrombosis
- WakeMed Health: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis after Surgery
