After a DVT and multiple surgeries, my leg still gets swollen after hours of standing or when I don't wear my hose. Will this always happen?
Answers from doctors (7)
Deep vein reflux could be the likely cause.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You have post-thrombotic syndrome. Compression, avoidance of prolonged standing or sitting and leg elevation are key treatment modalities. It is a lifestyle problem.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Patients with leg DVT's can develop post thrombophlebitic syndrome which is characterized by aching, throbbing and pain. Compression stockings will help alleviate the symptoms.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This most likely represents the post-thrombotic syndrome, which is more likely to happen if the DVT was more proximal (femoral or iliac system) than distal (popliteal or tibial or peroneal veins). I recommend that you continue to wear your stockings daily.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Most likely, yes. You have post-thrombotic syndrome. Compression hose will most likely be necessary for the rest of your life.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It really depends on how much the DVT may have damaged your deep venous system. If there is significant damage in the form of deep system reflux, you are at risk for a post-thrombotic syndrome. The swelling you are reporting may be the beginnings of that. In which case, you really should wear compression stockings indefinitely to help control the progression of this syndrome. The swelling could also be due to vein issues for which you said that you had multiple surgeries. What kind of surgeries? It is also possible that your vein surgeries have not fixed the circulation issues that can come along with vein disease. This may be why you are still swelling. Fixing the vein issues in your entire leg would help this.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Following a DVT, there is always a risk of chronic swelling and the development of what is called the post-phlebitic syndrome characterized by swelling of the leg, brownish discoloration of the shin and, sometimes, even ankle ulceration. This does not occur in everyone who has a DVT but the potential is there. You may have long-term leg swelling and in addition to support hose, you should see a vein specialist for further recommendations, including the possibility of compression sleeves.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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