A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an abnormal clot that
has formed in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. They
have become feared by the general public for very good
reasons. In the short term, large DVTs can move from
the leg or pelvic veins and go through the venous system
travelling into the heart and then lungs. This is called
a pulmonary embolism, which is a very serious medical
condition and can even be fatal. In the long term, even
when DVT’s have been successfully treated, the scar tissue
formed in the deep veins can lead to a problem called
post thrombotic syndrome (PTS). This PTS can result in
discoloured, uncomfortable and swollen legs, which may
go on to develop leg ulcers.
