Why are my mother's feet unresponsive and rock-like after having DVT? What are her treatment options?

My mother had DVT in her right leg in 2009 and has had 2 further ballooning surgeries. However, the feet in both legs continue to be unresponsive and feel rock-like and heavy. Recently, she's also started feeling as if she has rocks in her soles. What could be causing this? What are her treatment options?

Answers from doctors (4)


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on May 23, 2014

Where was the DVT? Which vein? I could see the 'rocks in the feet' being due to hardened skin. There might be nerve damage if the clots went untreated for a long period of time. DVT's can be hard to treat, especially if there is a clotting disorder. Honestly, I would need more info to make a better statement, but make sure she is seeing an interventional radiologist who is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. Go in for another ultrasound for a DVT check and talk to your physician about the unresponsive feet. It may be necessary to see a neurologist depending on the amount of feeling in the legs and feet.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

Where was the DVT? Which vein? I could see the 'rocks in the feet' being due to hardened skin. There might be nerve damage if the clots went untreated for a long period of time. DVT's can be hard to treat, especially if there is a clotting disorder. Honestly, I would need more info to make a better statement, but make sure she is seeing an interventional radiologist who is accredited by the American College of Phlebology. Go in for another ultrasound for a DVT check and talk to your physician about the unresponsive feet. It may be necessary to see a neurologist depending on the amount of feeling in the legs and feet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on May 07, 2014

Start with 30-40 mm Hg compression stockings, exercise, salt and fluid intake restrictions and weight loss.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

Start with 30-40 mm Hg compression stockings, exercise, salt and fluid intake restrictions and weight loss.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Much too difficult to do a diagnosis over email given her condition. You should have a very good lower extremity ultrasound study done by a good vascular technologist. Also, find a physician who specializes in venous/arterial -vascular disease of the lower extremities to review this with you and discuss your options. Wish I could help more, but without such study, no way to tell if her problems are arterial, venous, or something else altogether.

Answered by Advanced Vein & Vascular Center Inc. (View Profile)

Much too difficult to do a diagnosis over email given her condition. You should have a very good lower extremity ultrasound study done by a good vascular technologist. Also, find a physician who specializes in venous/arterial -vascular disease of the lower extremities to review this with you and discuss your options. Wish I could help more, but without such study, no way to tell if her problems are arterial, venous, or something else altogether.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 06, 2014

This is a difficult question to answer because there's not enough information. The fact that she had two balloon angioplasties would suggest an underlying arterial problem since venous occlusion is not treated by angioplasty without stenting. If she is a diabetic,diabetic neuropathy would be a consideration. Her symptoms may be due to either neuropathy, arterial insufficiency or chronic venous stasis changes with edema or Lipodermatosclerosis. She should see a vascular surgeon or a vein specialist.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is a difficult question to answer because there's not enough information. The fact that she had two balloon angioplasties would suggest an underlying arterial problem since venous occlusion is not treated by angioplasty without stenting. If she is a diabetic,diabetic neuropathy would be a consideration. Her symptoms may be due to either neuropathy, arterial insufficiency or chronic venous stasis changes with edema or Lipodermatosclerosis. She should see a vascular surgeon or a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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