Post thromboytic syndrome, or PTS, is also known as venous stress disorder. A thrombus is a blood clot that forms -- usually in your legs -- and impedes the blood flow back to your heart. When you have a clot, it is called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. PTS is the disorder that can affect you following a clot. In some instances, it can take 10 to 20 years before the symptoms of PTS manifest. If you have a DVT, you likely will experience acute swelling of the affected leg with pain and redness. Unfortunately, the valves in your veins can be permanently damaged from a DVT. There are special exercises you can perform which can help with healing and prevention.
Considerations
Blood clots can be dangerous, especially if they break free and move to your lungs, heart or brain. Even if a clot does not move, your body will form alternative circulation around the clot by enlarging the small neighboring veins in order to return blood to your heart; this can result in significant swelling around the clot. You may also form a clot in the large veins in your abdomen or pelvis.
If you have recovered from a clot, symptoms of PTS including venous hypertension can begin almost immediately or not be apparent for years. You are at greater risk for clots if you have heart failure, cardiovascular disease, obesity, pregnancy, trauma, malignancy or venous valve dysfunction; if you are inactive; or if you use oral contraceptives.
Exercise and PTS
The goal of exercise in treating post-thrombotic syndrome is increased strengthening of your muscles in your legs, ankles and feet. Muscle contraction can help the veins return blood to your heart, which prevents stasis or pooling. The experts at the National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia suggest that exercise combined with weight loss can be important interventions but caution that you should work with your health care provider to determine if exercise is right for you.
Exercise Results
Researchers studied a group of patients with PTS following resolution of their DVT and found that walking on a treadmill wearing compression stockings did not increase the likelihood of further clots. A study published in the medical journal "Chest" revealed that treadmill-walking was well tolerated by the study group and did not make their PTS symptoms worse. The flexibility of their leg muscles improved significantly following exercise, even though participants had increased swelling in the affected leg.
Warning
DVT and PTS can be serious conditions. Exercise that is not monitored by your doctor or physical therapist may put you at risk for additional complications. Do not begin exercise without medical guidance. Exercise is one component of treatment that may also include thromboprophylaxis, graduated elastic stockings and elevation of the affected leg while you are sitting or resting.
References
- The National Alliance for Thrombosis and Thrombophilia; Postthrombotic Syndrome; Stephan Moll, M.D.; 2006
- Chest; Getting a Leg Up On The Postthrombotic Syndrome; Lawrence W, Raymond, M.D.; 2003
- Investigators Against Thrombo Embolism: Reducing Pain and Swelling
- Dermatology Online Journal; The Post-Thrombotic Syndrome - A Condition to Prevent; Delphine Pirard, M.D., et al; 2008
- INATE: Mobility and Exercise After Deep-Vein-Thrombosis
