DVT Treatment With Compression Therapy

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs or the feet. The clot can block proper blood flow, and may lead to severe injury or death if it breaks off and travels through the bloodstream to other areas of the body, such as the brain or lungs. Doctors sometimes recommend compression therapy for people with DVT.

Function

• Compression therapy works by exerting varying degrees of pressure on the legs, especially in the ankle area, which helps the blood to flow. The pressure, along with movement of the legs, helps blood in the surface level veins travel to the deeper veins and back to the heart rather than collecting and clotting in the lower extremities. Compression therapy also helps reduce pain and swelling associated with DVT.

Types

• There are three types of compression stockings; your doctor will recommend which type you should use. For a minimal amount of pressure, wearing support pantyhose is sufficient. If moderate support is required, you will need to purchase over-the-counter compression stockings from a pharmacy or medical supply store. In some cases, your doctor will recommended prescription strength compression stockings. You will need to be fitted for the stockings by a specialist at the medical supply store where you purchase them.

When To Wear

• You should wear your compression stockings every day as long as you are experiencing DVT-related symptoms or are at risk for developing DVT. Do not discontinue wearing the stockings until your doctor tells you to do so. Put the stockings on in the morning before you get up, and wear them throughout the day, even while exercising. You may take the stockings off when showering and at night when you go to bed.

Warnings

• People who suffer from advanced artery disease or poorly controlled congestive heart failure should not wear compression garments. Disease may be made worse in diabetics, smokers and those who have poor circulation in the legs if compression garments are worn. If you have a skin infection or you are sensitive to the materials in the garment, you must be cautious about wearing compression garments. If you notice increased pain or swelling in your legs, call your doctor immediately.

Pneumatic Compression

• Hospital patients that are bedridden or have recently undergone surgery are often treated with pneumatic compression devices to help prevent DVT. Lightweight sleeves are slipped under the patient's lower extremities and fastened around him with Velcro straps. They may go all the way up to a patient’s knee, or they may be placed on the foot only. The sleeves, connected to a pump, are rhythmically inflated and deflated, resulting in better blood flow.

Effectiveness

• Although compression therapy is beneficial for those who have DVT, it is not a cure. It helps decrease pain and swelling associated with DVT and may help reduce damage to the affected vein. It is most effective when used along with medications that thin the blood or break up blood clots. Compression therapy may be helpful in preventing DVT by increasing blood flow to the legs, but it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations about other preventative measures while using compression therapy.