You have Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)

 

What is Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)? 

Post Thrombotic syndrome( PTS) is a condition that slows down the flow of blood back to your heart following an episode of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

 

What is the incidence of PTS?

On average 30% of people who are diagnosed with DVT develop PTS within 1-2 yrs. after their diagnosis

 

What are the functional changes in your leg that causes PTS?

DVT can cause high pressures in the affected vein(s) of the leg, to note, this is not the same as having a high Blood Pressure (BP).

These elevated pressures within the affected vein are caused because of:

  1. Lasting obstruction of the blood flow in your leg vein(s)
  2. Damaged valves in the leg veins

 

What are the risk factors for developing PTS?

Examples of risk factors for PTS are:

  1. Having more than one incident of DVT in the same leg
  2. Being obese
  3. Having a DVT above the level of the knee (especially the iliac vein or common femoral vein)
  4. Being Elderly
  5. Having a previous history of Chronic Venous Insufficiency

 

 

What are the Symptoms of PTS?

  1. Sensation of pulling, fatigue or heaviness in your leg
  2. Swollen leg
  3. Leg pain, cramping
  4. Itching or a sensation of pins and needles

 

How is PTS Diagnosed?            

There isn’t any specific blood test or radiological tests that confirms a diagnosis of PTS. The diagnosis is typically made on the findings of the doctor’s clinical examination and the patient’s reporting of its symptoms.

 

How Can I Manage My Symptoms of PTS?

For complaints of dry and itchy skin:

  • Lubricate your skin using a moisturizing cream

 
For complaints of swelling, feeling of heaviness, cramping and a pulling sensation in your leg:

  • Wear a prescribed graduated compression stocking when up and about( usually measuring 20-30 mm. of mercury)
  • Keep your leg elevated above the level of your heart while you sleep or are lying down (suggested using 2 firm pillows)
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to heat
  • Maintain a healthy body weight
  • Restrict salt intake
  • Take part in activities that are calf strengthening e.g. swimming, cycling, rowing machine, skipping rope, walking, etc.

 

Examples of exercises to strengthen calf muscles:

        

 

 

Did you know?

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Did you know that certain oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) don’t require regular blood tests and can be taken instead of warfarin (Coumadin) in patients with:

 

-Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism

-Atrial Fibrillation in patients who never had a  heart valve replacement

Did you know that there is an information video playing in CETAC about warfarin (Coumadin) that can also be viewed on this website?

Did you know that our Anticoagulation and Thrombosis clinic is now called CETAC ? It stands for  “Centre of Excellence in Thrombosis and Anticoagulation.”

Did you know that CETAC is heavily involved in research to advance the care and lifestyle of our patients? You can look on this website to see what studies we are doing and if you are a potential participant.