Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Veins
in the Leg
Normal
Blood Flow
ablation and others, must wear gradient
compression stockings immediately
following the procedure and during the
recovery period. Recovery time (and length
of compression use) varies with each patient,
and the physician makes recommendations
accordingly.
It is important to note that TED hose
is different from graduated compression
stockings. Thrombo Embolic Deterrent
hose are “anti- embolic” stockings often
worn after surgery to help prevent DVT.
They work well for this purpose but do not
help with the symptoms of venous disease,
nor do they halt the progression of venous
disease.
Deep Vein
Thrombosis
Embolus
HOW IT WORKS
Venous disease is defined as the impairment
of blood flow towards the heart. Healthy
veins have valves that open and close
to assist the return of blood to the
heart. Venous disease— also called vein
insufficiency or reflux— occurs if these
valves become damaged, allowing the
backward flow of blood in the legs. Because
gravity works on the legs more than on other
parts of the body, these vein walls are under
tremendous pressure. When blood cannot
be properly returned through the vein, it
can pool, leading to a feeling of heaviness
and fatigue and cause varicose veins, among
Current Pedorthics | September/October 2018
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