Post Thrombotic Syndrome Treatment

Post-thrombotic syndrome, also known as post-phlebitic syndrome, is a common complication of deep-vein thrombosis, a blood clot in a vein, typically in those deep in the leg. It is used to describe the number of symptoms associated with the damage to the veins that can arise from the blood clot. There is no cure, and treatment to alleviate pain is a long-term commitment.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome are focused on the area in which the blood clot occurs, and include leg swelling (edema), a discoloration of the skin often leading to ulcers, itching, dryness and leg pain. This pain is caused by the reduced blood flow to the affected area. These symptoms are chronic, and pain alleviation can be achieved through the use of over-the-counter medications and compression stockings.

Compression Stockings

• The primary method of treatment for post-thrombotic syndrome is the extended, often life-long use of compression stockings. Compression stockings are used to help reduce swelling and improve circulation, reducing the risk of blood pooling in a vein and causing a clot. They are typically worn from the foot to just above the knee, and can be found in many pharmacies and medical supply stores in a variety of colors and sizes. Compression stockings can be used in conjunction with the routine elevation of your legs to increase blow flow back to the heart.

  A variation on compression stockings is intermittent pneumatic compression, which involves the use of a pump to apply external pressure to the leg through the cyclical inflation and deflation of plastic leggings. They work in the same way as regular compression stocking, yet may not provide any added benefit, and suffer from the fact that they require manual compression as opposed to consistent compression.

  In addition to compression stockings, short-term relief might be found through the use of over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.