I have dvt in my right calf, it has only been 3 weeks since i found out. My leg still swells after 3 weeks even when i wear my compression stocking 20 -30. Is this normal. Should I be take it off and elevate my leg or leave it on?
It is not unusual to have leg swelling after a DVT. However, if the compression hose seems to make it worse, I would assume the compression hose is not the right fit. I frequently see patients who, for a number of reasons, do not have the proper size or compression. You could try taking it off in the evening and keeping your leg elevated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Leave on the stocking and elevate. You should see your MD. You might benefit from 30-40 stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would put you in a higher compression of at least 30-40mmHg, which would help with the swelling and possibly a thigh high hose. You should continue to wear the stocking for a long time....you will be on anti-coagulation for at least 6 months. The location of your clot will determine how long you should wear it. The higher it is on the leg (over the knee), the longer you should wear the hose. You should stay under the care of your vascular surgeon in the meantime. Swelling will continue until the clot resolves. If it continues or gets worse, you should see your doctor immediately.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There might be a number of reasons why the leg is still swollen. The compression stockings might not fit well and are not helping. You might have developed more extensive thrombosis. Your DVT might not have cleared yet. You should have a re-evaluation by a vein specialist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you are describing is not unusual. The swelling in that leg will likely never completely resolve. You should continue to wear compression hose, and elevate the leg. If symptoms worsen, follow-up with your doctor to make sure that the DVT hasn't progressed into the deep veins in your thigh.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Discuss with your treating physician and make sure stocking fits properly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Since you have a new DVT in your right calf, it is not uncommon for people to have swelling in the effective leg. This can be independent of whether you are wearing compression stockings. When you have a DVT, depending on location and how extensive, the DVT can cause a blockage to venous return and inflammation in the effected area. Since your body has not had enough time to adjust to the blockage in the 3 weeks that you have had the DVT, the swelling can be totally normal given the situation. The swelling normally resolves in most individuals after a period of time, but you may want to check with your PCP about whether you should wear compression stockings indefinitely. Depending on how severe your DVT was, wearing the stockings long term can help minimize your risk of developing a "post thrombotic syndrome."
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, no one knows how long your leg will swell and there is a chance that it will swell forever depending on the extent of the DVT and the extent of the recanalization and clot dissolution. 3 weeks is certainly not enough time to allow healing to occur. You should continue to wear compression stockings as much as you can and can remove them at night. How long you will need to wear compression depends on your response to treatment. Again, this could be indefinitely.
Published on Jul 11, 2012