Deep Vein Thrombophlebitis (DVT)

What is DVT?

Deep vein thrombophlebitis is a blood clot that has gotten lodged in a deep vein that has caused inflammation in the legs. It isn't commonplace to have a deep vein thrombosis anywhere else but the legs, but on rare occasions they can occur in the neck, and arms of an individual. The clot can be located anywhere really, deep within a muscle of the leg or nearer to the surface. In any event the clot can cause severe health problems and also may be life threatening. When the clot breaks loose inside the vein and starts moving within circulation it is no longer considered a thrombus, but is now called an embolism. If the embolism gets lodged into a vessel in the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism, which is a life and death emergency.

Deep vein thrombophlebitis is primarily caused by long periods of inactivity. Someone who sits at a computer all day with his/her legs down runs the risk of DVT. Many times, prior to going to surgery, the patient is required to put on elastic hose; some hospitals use a brand called TED hose, and other hospitals use a brand called Jobst hose, both of which are designed to apply gentle pressure to the legs to stimulate circulation and prevent blood clots from moving if they were to occur.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

The symptoms of DVT include warmth or fever in the affected area. There may be pain and tenderness along with swelling and redness in the area of the inflammation. It can be very uncomfortable for the one who has this problem. The pain can be so severe it may be very difficult to walk or to even stand up on your legs. You may also have a generalized fever of 100 degrees or higher. It is also important to know that not all patients with DVT have any symptoms at all. You usually don't know you have DVT unless you have symptoms.