If a blood clot is big enough it can block the blood flow to the lungs causing problems with breathing. Blood clots can even break off and travel to the lungs. It is also important to keep your leg up (elevated) as much as possible.ĢThe second problem is that blood clots can sometimes grow along the veins of the calf and enter the veins of the thigh. (See information sheet on Graduated Compression Stockings).

These stockings are very tight at the ankle and less tight in the calf and so they help the blood return “uphill” to the heart. The best way to decrease swelling is to use tight (graduated compression) stockings. A number of medications can be used to treat the pain and it is important to limit the swelling as much as possible. What are the main problems with a below knee DVT? There are three main problems with a blood clot in the veins of the calf.ġThe first problem is that blood clots in the calf are often painful and cause lots of swelling. Sometimes blood tests are also used to help in the detection of blood clots. An ultrasound is painless and does have any major side affects. A clot can be detected because of the decreased blood flow in the veins. Ultrasound machines use sound waves to detect blood flow in veins and arteries. How is a blood clot detected?Ī blood clot is usually detected by an ultrasound.

Sometimes the area around a blood clot can feel warmer than the surrounding tissues. Pain and swelling are usually the main symptoms of a below knee DVT. What are the symptoms of a below knee DVT? There are a number of other reasons why clots may develop in the veins some people have abnormalities in the blood clotting system which may lead to a blood clot occurring more easily.a prolonged period in bed or during a long flight) Prolonged periods of rest may also lead to blood flow in the veins of the legs slowing down (e.g.a swelling in the knee joint may block the veins above the calf and cause a clot in the veins of the calf). If there is a blockage in the veins above the calf (e.g.Blood flow in the veins of the legs may slow down for a number of reasons. The usual reasons involve a slowing down of blood traveling in the veins. Why have I got a below knee DVT?Ī clot will develop in a veins for a number of reasons. A clot will develop when blood stops flowing normally. A clot generally occurs in a vein when there is a slowing down or a blockage to the blood flow in the veins. Veins are blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart from the muscles and other body organs (compared to arteries which carry blood from the heart to the muscles).

What are veins and what is a clot (thrombosis)? The other name for a below knee DVT is calf vein thrombosis or distal DVT. Calf vein thrombosis (Distal deep vein thrombosis DVT) OverviewĪ below knee DVT is a clot (thrombosis) in the veins of the calf.

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