DVT - Deep Venous Thrombosis and prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome. New research shows that compression stockings can prevent serious complications of blood clots in the legs. This two-minute video clip throws light on the issue:

There is important new information for those who have had a blood clot in the leg. New findings show that compression stockings can prevent serious complications of these blood clots, although they are not used by many patients. This despite the fact that compression stockings are a very simple, inexpensive treatment.

One out of three patients who get leg blood clots develop a condition where they can get pain, swelling, and numbness, even after being treated. This problem, though, can be prevented by using simplecompression stockings.

The compression stockings provide a graduated pressure that is firmer at the bottom and looser at the top to help improve blood flow back to the heart.   Unfortunately,few studies have shown for sure whether the compression stockings actually prevent the post-thrombotic syndrome.

Now, new research shows unquestionably that off the shelf compression stockings can prevent post thrombotic syndrome. 49 percent of the patients in the study who did not use the compression stockings developed post thrombotic syndrome, compared to only 25 percent of the patients who did use the compression stockings. Essentially these compression stockings cut the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome in half.

“What’s so appealing about compression stockings is that you’re not talking about an invasive procedure, or an expensive drug a procedure that has a lot of risk associated with it. And the compression stockings are really pretty remarkably effective,” states Dr. Laine.

It was for Susan. She wore compression stockings for a year, and didn’t get postthrombotic syndrome. “I don’t have any problems with them now,” remarks Susan.

 It should be pointed out that the compression stockings do not necessarily cut the risk of repeat blood clots. They’re solely for preventing the problem of post-thrombotic syndrome.