Venous Thrombosis

Venous thrombosis is a potentially critical condition because of its characteristics, which carry a grave risk, and, in particular, because of its consequences that leave a significant impediment on people who suffer from it.

We know, for example, that in Spain, between 10,000 y 20,000 people die per year from a pulmonary embolism.

The statistics confirm that 15 new cases per 10,000 people are presented each year, which add the already affected population. Likewise, the prevalence of the consequences of a venous thrombosis is around 5% of the population.

Venous thrombosis is the formation of blood clots in the inside of a vein.

There are two types of them:

1) Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or phlebothrombosis

  • Caused mainly by some problem in the slowing of the blood flow because of rest, old age and conditions that determine general organic weakness, is the formation of a non-inflammatory, obstructing, clot inside a vein.
  • When phlebitis affects the legs, the pain is perceived often in the sole of the foot and in the ankle, above all, upon dorsiflexing the foot, afterwards, increasing the frequency of pulse, and often there is fever.

A special clinical form of thrombosis is that of effort. This is nothing rare that appears in healthy people, just walking on the street, or developing an effort required by sports, A special clinical form of thrombosis is that of effort, that they might suddenly notice a sudden pain, almost always at the level of the calf muscles, as if something had pierced the calf. Then, suddenly a swelling is produced that will cease with the placement of a zinc bandage.

2) La thrombophlebitis

These are infections where some veins get inflammed producing a febril state, symptoms of tachycardia and signs of toxic impregnatión.

Some phlebitis produces a white and cold aspect to the legs. Other times, the edema seems to be very red and hot.

When phlebitis cures with defect and ample stenosis remains, the syndrome of postphlebitic venous insufficiency appears, similar in its appearance to the varicose syndrome, but which differs by its greater malignment with more frequent cutaneous lesions, eczemas, pains and always the appearance of a significant edema.

Some phlebitis in the legs have a white and cold aspect, other times, the edema is usually very red and hot.

For its treatment, it is important to rest with the leg elevated during the night, to continuously wear compression stockings and maintain a meticulous hygiene of the feet and legs.