Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood condition where a blood clot forms in a vein. In this article we’re going to take a look at deep vein thrombosis, assessing what the science says about cause and prevention of the condition.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

-

DVT is a blood condition where a blood clot forms in a vein (usually in the leg). It can become a severe problem if it breaks off and makes its way around the body. Eventually the clot can make its way to the lungs, where there's a possibility it can block a blood vessel and be very serious – in some cases even fatal.

In this article we're going to take a look at deep vein thrombosis, assessing what the science says about cause and prevention of the condition.

The condition is synonymous with long distance travel and periods of sedentary behaviour. Sitting, whether on a plane, train or office chair is known to be a major risk factor. Post-surgery is also a time when DVT risk increases dramatically because of reduced movement.

The good news is that Deep Vein Thrombosis risk factors can be largely reduced by promoting blood flow in the lower extremities. The official NHS advice recommends wearing tight compression socks [1] and promotes movement whenever possible. Whether you're on a plane, in an office or simply watching TV, get up and move around frequently to reduce your overall risk factors.

Time to read: 8 minutes

Level: Intermediate

Key Points:

  • Helpfulness of compression garments
  • Effectiveness of movement at preventing DVT
  • 3 main factors for preventing DVT
  • Infrared garments

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood condition where a blood clot forms in a vein that can become a severe problem. This article however investigates the science about cause and prevention of the condition...

Are compression garments helpful?

Scientifically, the evidence isn't especially strong on how effective compression alone is. However, we know that when you combine the effects of compression with infrared fabrics, you dramatically improve the effectiveness of the garment because infrared stimulates blood flow, and we know for sure that stimulation of blood flow reduces the chances of DVT [2].

Infrared fabric stimulates the production of Nitric Oxide, which is a very effective vasodilator [3]. This means the blood vessels are widened and the circulation is increased to particular areas. For example, if you wear infrared socks, you'll stimulate blood flow to the feet and lower extremities. In fact, you can see this process in real time under a capillary microscope…

The KYMIRA compression socks are perfect for long distance travel thanks to the double-effect of compression and infrared. They create the exact conditions for helping to reduce deep vein thrombosis, so are a very good idea for anyone embarking on a long-haul flight.

How effective is movement at preventing DVT?

The best research around movement and deep vein thrombosis prevention comes from the surgical world. Post-surgery (particularly lower limb and trunk-based surgeries), patients have extremely compromised movement and as such are at a significantly higher risk of developing DVT.

What research has shown is that even with small movements, the risk of developing DVT is significantly reduced. Researchers had post-lower limb surgery patients perform ‘active ankle movements', then monitored maximum venous outflow (MVO), maximum venous capacity (MVC), and blood rheology. They also recorded the incidence of DVT.

The researchers concluded that ‘through increasing MVO and MVC and reducing blood rheology, active ankle movements may prevent the formation of lower-extremity DVT after orthopaedic surgery'.

This research is useful for two reasons…

  1. It teaches us that even small movements are very effective in the fight against developing DVT – if you're travelling, just keep moving!
  2. It also teaches us that if you are going in for surgery and are worried about developing a DVT, persistent movement, however small is an important an effective preventative measure.

These results are not unique either. Subsequent research shows that even movement generated by mechanical devices is helpful in preventing post-surgical DVTs, so any movement, no matter how small or generated is an excellent tool in the fight against DVT.

In this study [5], patients who were immobilised post-surgery had their movements made by mechanical device yet still posted significantly lower incidences of DVT (3.6% vs 25%). Any movement, no matter how seemingly small and insignificant is effective.

Preventing DVT – what we know for sure

The evidence points towards three main factors being important for preventing DVT. Thankfully, all of these are achievable…

  1. This is the most important one of all – any movement, even seemingly insignificant is important, so move as often as you can.
  2. Wear compression and infrared. These two have good evidence in support of them – especially infrared because it helps to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation.
  3. Fluid intake is important – research shows us that dehydration increases blood viscosity, so stay hydrated ideally with ion-containing drinks and it will help to reduce blood viscosity [6].

Finding infrared garments

KYMIRA medical stocks a range of products that are effective in helping to prevent DVT. If you are travelling, heading in for surgery or are generally worried that your lifestyle may increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, take a look at our range here.

https://kymiramedical.com/pages/circulation

References:

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/prevent-dvt-when-you-travel/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2949997/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699925/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5024560/

[5] https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/full/10.1302/0301-620X.87B8.15680

[6] https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/nutraceutical/about/rehydration/researchlab/studyresults05.html

Expand For References

References

  1. Vitamin D in Pain Management, 2018, Helde-Frankling & Bjorkhem-Bergman.
  2. Public Health England National Diet & Nutrition Survey, 2016.
  3. NHS.co.uk - How to get Vitamin D.
  4. Recommended summer sunlight exposure levels can produce sufficient levels at UK latitudes, 2010, Rhodes, Webb, Fraser, Kift, Durkin, Allan, O'Brien, Vail, Berry.
  5. Ultraviolet Radiations: Skin Defense-Damage Mechanism, 2017, Mohania, Chandel, Kumar, Verma, Digvijay, Tripathi, Choudhury, Mitten, Shah.
  6. Sunlight & Vitamin D, 2013, Wacker, Holick.
  7. Vitamin D: Biology, Actions, and Clinical Implications, 2013, Feldman, Krishnan, Swami.
  8. Vitamin D deficiency, 2007, Holick.
  9. Determinants of vitamin D status of health office workers in Sydney, Australia, 2019, Fayet-Moore, Brock, Wright, Ridges, Small, Seibel, Conigrave, Mason.
  10. Effect of pain on the automatic nervous system indices derived from photoplethysmography in healthy volunteers, 2012, Humane, Kontinen, Hakala, Take, Paloheimo, Kalso.
  11. The effect of Therapeutic Touch on Back Pain in Adults on a Neurological Unit. An Experimental Pilot Study.
  12. Self-soothing behaviours with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation, 2014, Uvnas-Moberg, Handline, Petersson.
  13. The Analgesic Effect of Oxytocin in Humans: A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Cross-Over Study Using Laser-Evoked Potentials, 2015, Paloyelis, Krahe, Maltezos, Williams, Howard, Fotopoulou.
  14. Extreme Thermal Sensitivity and Pain-Induced Sensitization in a Fibromyalgia Patient, 2010, Wong, Rodrigues, Schmidt, Vierck, Mauderli.
  15. Central sensitization: a generator of pain hypersensitivity by central neural plasticity, 2009 Latremoliere, Woolf.
  16. Understanding Endorphins and Their Importance in Pain Management, 2010, Sprouse-Blum, Smith, Sugai, Don Parsa.
  17. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, 2016, Gordon, Bloxham.
  18. Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following. Local and non-local rolling massage, 2015, Aboodarda, Spence, Button.
  19. Exercise in the Treatment of Chronic Pain, 2001, Smith, Brochk, Comm, Gribbin, Moira.
  20. Hypoalgesia After Exercise and the Cold Pressor Test is Reduced in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients With High Pain Sensitivity, 2016, Vaegter, Handberg, Graven-Nielsen.
  21. An aerobic walking programme versus muscle strengthening programme for chronic low back pain: a randomised controlled trial, 2012, Shnayderman, Katz-Leurer.
  22. Perspectives on Yoga Inputs in the Management of Chronic Pain, 2010, Vallath.
  23. Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, 2016, Kong, Lauche, Klose, Bu, Yang, Guo, Dobo, Cheng.
  24. Stress exacerbates neuropathic pain via glucocorticoid and NMDA receptor activation, 2009, Alexander, DeVries, Kigerl, Dahlman, Popvich.
  25. Aerobic exercise reduces levels of cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal responses to mental stress in subjects without prior evidence of myocardial schema, 1990, Blumenthal, Fredrikson, Kuhn, Ulmer, Waslh-Riddle, Appelbaum.
  26. Endorphin Response to Exercise, 2012, Goldfarb, Jamurtas.
  27. Behavioral and psychosocial factors associated with insomnia in adolescents with chronic pain, 2011, Palermo, Wilson, Lewandowski et al. .
  28. The bidirectional relationship between exercise and sleep: Implications for exercise adherence and sleep improvement, 2014, Kline.
  29. Dietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin, 2012, Peuhkuri, Shivola, Korpela.
  30. Effect of Optically Modified Polythylene Terephthalate Fiber Socks on Chronic Foot Pain, 2009, Gordon.
  31. Biological activities caused by far-infrared radiation, 1989, Inoué, Kabaya.
  32. Double blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot trial on the effect of Optically Modified Polyethylene, 2010, Casden.
  33. Hologenix Mechanical Testing, 2013, Celiant & Intertek Procedures, 2012, Horinek
  34. Working in a cold environment, feeling cold at work and chronic pain: a cross-sectional analysis of the Tromso Study, 2019, Farbu, Skandfer, Nielsen, Brenn, Stubhaug, Hoper.
  35. Transcutaneous Oxygen Tension (tcPO2) as a Primary Endpoint to Assess the Efficacy of an Optically Active Vsoactive Garment, 2012, Gordon, Coyle.
  36. Contrast therapy - a systematic review, 2008, Hing, Bouaaphone, Lee.

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Post-surgery is also a time when DVT risk increases dramatically because of reduced movement.\nThe good news is that Deep Vein Thrombosis risk factors can be largely reduced by promoting blood flow in the lower extremities. The official NHS advice recommends wearing tight compression socks [1] and promotes movement whenever possible. Whether you’re on a plane, in an office or simply watching TV, get up and move around frequently to reduce your overall risk factors.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \nTime to read: 8 minutes\nLevel: Intermediate\nKey Points:\n\nHelpfulness of compression garments \nEffectiveness of movement at preventing DVT\n3 main factors for preventing DVT\nInfrared garments \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a blood condition where a blood clot forms in a vein that can become a severe problem. This article however investigates the science about cause and prevention of the condition...\n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Are compression garments helpful?\n \n \n\n\n\n\n \nScientifically, the evidence isn’t especially strong on how effective compression alone is. However, we know that when you combine the effects of compression with infrared fabrics, you dramatically improve the effectiveness of the garment because infrared stimulates blood flow, and we know for sure that stimulation of blood flow reduces the chances of DVT [2].\nInfrared fabric stimulates the production of Nitric Oxide, which is a very effective vasodilator [3]. This means the blood vessels are widened and the circulation is increased to particular areas. For example, if you wear infrared socks, you’ll stimulate blood flow to the feet and lower extremities. In fact, you can see this process in real time under a capillary microscope…\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n The KYMIRA compression socks are perfect for long distance travel thanks to the double-effect of compression and infrared. They create the exact conditions for helping to reduce deep vein thrombosis, so are a very good idea for anyone embarking on a long-haul flight.\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n How effective is movement at preventing DVT?\n \n \n\n\n\n\n \nThe best research around movement and deep vein thrombosis prevention comes from the surgical world. Post-surgery (particularly lower limb and trunk-based surgeries), patients have extremely compromised movement and as such are at a significantly higher risk of developing DVT.\nWhat research has shown is that even with small movements, the risk of developing DVT is significantly reduced. Researchers had post-lower limb surgery patients perform ‘active ankle movements’, then monitored maximum venous outflow (MVO), maximum venous capacity (MVC), and blood rheology. They also recorded the incidence of DVT.\nThe researchers concluded that ‘through increasing MVO and MVC and reducing blood rheology, active ankle movements may prevent the formation of lower-extremity DVT after orthopaedic surgery’.\nThis research is useful for two reasons…\n\nIt teaches us that even small movements are very effective in the fight against developing DVT – if you’re travelling, just keep moving!\nIt also teaches us that if you are going in for surgery and are worried about developing a DVT, persistent movement, however small is an important an effective preventative measure.\n\nThese results are not unique either. Subsequent research shows that even movement generated by mechanical devices is helpful in preventing post-surgical DVTs, so any movement, no matter how small or generated is an excellent tool in the fight against DVT.\nIn this study [5], patients who were immobilised post-surgery had their movements made by mechanical device yet still posted significantly lower incidences of DVT (3.6% vs 25%). Any movement, no matter how seemingly small and insignificant is effective.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Preventing DVT – what we know for sure\n \n \n\n\n\n\n \nThe evidence points towards three main factors being important for preventing DVT. Thankfully, all of these are achievable…\n\nThis is the most important one of all – any movement, even seemingly insignificant is important, so move as often as you can.\nWear compression and infrared. These two have good evidence in support of them – especially infrared because it helps to stimulate blood flow and improve circulation.\nFluid intake is important – research shows us that dehydration increases blood viscosity, so stay hydrated ideally with ion-containing drinks and it will help to reduce blood viscosity [6].\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n Finding infrared garments\n \n \n\n\n\n\n \nKYMIRA medical stocks a range of products that are effective in helping to prevent DVT. If you are travelling, heading in for surgery or are generally worried that your lifestyle may increase your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, take a look at our range here.\nhttps:\/\/kymiramedical.com\/pages\/circulation\n\n\n\n\n\n \nReferences:\n[1] https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/healthy-body\/prevent-dvt-when-you-travel\/\n[2] https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2949997\/\n[3] https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5699925\/\n[4] https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5024560\/\n[5] https:\/\/online.boneandjoint.org.uk\/doi\/full\/10.1302\/0301-620X.87B8.15680\n[6] https:\/\/www.otsuka.co.jp\/en\/nutraceutical\/about\/rehydration\/researchlab\/studyresults05.html\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Expand For References\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \nReferences\n\nVitamin D in Pain Management, 2018, Helde-Frankling \u0026amp; Bjorkhem-Bergman.\nPublic Health England National Diet \u0026amp; Nutrition Survey, 2016.\n\nNHS.co.uk - How to get Vitamin D.\nRecommended summer sunlight exposure levels can produce sufficient levels at UK latitudes, 2010, Rhodes, Webb, Fraser, Kift, Durkin, Allan, O’Brien, Vail, Berry.\nUltraviolet Radiations: Skin Defense-Damage Mechanism, 2017, Mohania, Chandel, Kumar, Verma, Digvijay, Tripathi, Choudhury, Mitten, Shah.\nSunlight \u0026amp; Vitamin D, 2013, Wacker, Holick.\nVitamin D: Biology, Actions, and Clinical Implications, 2013, Feldman, Krishnan, Swami.\nVitamin D deficiency, 2007, Holick.\nDeterminants of vitamin D status of health office workers in Sydney, Australia, 2019, Fayet-Moore, Brock, Wright, Ridges, Small, Seibel, Conigrave, Mason.\nEffect of pain on the automatic nervous system indices derived from photoplethysmography in healthy volunteers, 2012, Humane, Kontinen, Hakala, Take, Paloheimo, Kalso.\nThe effect of Therapeutic Touch on Back Pain in Adults on a Neurological Unit. An Experimental Pilot Study. \n\nSelf-soothing behaviours with particular reference to oxytocin release induced by non-noxious sensory stimulation, 2014, Uvnas-Moberg, Handline, Petersson.\nThe Analgesic Effect of Oxytocin in Humans: A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Cross-Over Study Using Laser-Evoked Potentials, 2015, Paloyelis, Krahe, Maltezos, Williams, Howard, Fotopoulou.\nExtreme Thermal Sensitivity and Pain-Induced Sensitization in a Fibromyalgia Patient, 2010, Wong, Rodrigues, Schmidt, Vierck, Mauderli.\nCentral sensitization: a generator of pain hypersensitivity by central neural plasticity, 2009 Latremoliere, Woolf.\nUnderstanding Endorphins and Their Importance in Pain Management, 2010, Sprouse-Blum, Smith, Sugai, Don Parsa.\nA Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain, 2016, Gordon, Bloxham.\nPain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following. Local and non-local rolling massage, 2015, Aboodarda, Spence, Button.\nExercise in the Treatment of Chronic Pain, 2001, Smith, Brochk, Comm, Gribbin, Moira.\nHypoalgesia After Exercise and the Cold Pressor Test is Reduced in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Patients With High Pain Sensitivity, 2016, Vaegter, Handberg, Graven-Nielsen.\nAn aerobic walking programme versus muscle strengthening programme for chronic low back pain: a randomised controlled trial, 2012, Shnayderman, Katz-Leurer.\nPerspectives on Yoga Inputs in the Management of Chronic Pain, 2010, Vallath.\nTai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, 2016, Kong, Lauche, Klose, Bu, Yang, Guo, Dobo, Cheng.\nStress exacerbates neuropathic pain via glucocorticoid and NMDA receptor activation, 2009, Alexander, DeVries, Kigerl, Dahlman, Popvich.\nAerobic exercise reduces levels of cardiovascular and sympathoadrenal responses to mental stress in subjects without prior evidence of myocardial schema, 1990, Blumenthal, Fredrikson, Kuhn, Ulmer, Waslh-Riddle, Appelbaum.\nEndorphin Response to Exercise, 2012, Goldfarb, Jamurtas.\nBehavioral and psychosocial factors associated with insomnia in adolescents with chronic pain, 2011, Palermo, Wilson, Lewandowski et al. .\nThe bidirectional relationship between exercise and sleep: Implications for exercise adherence and sleep improvement, 2014, Kline.\nDietary factors and fluctuating levels of melatonin, 2012, Peuhkuri, Shivola, Korpela.\nEffect of Optically Modified Polythylene Terephthalate Fiber Socks on Chronic Foot Pain, 2009, Gordon.\nBiological activities caused by far-infrared radiation, 1989, Inoué, Kabaya.\nDouble blind, placebo controlled, crossover pilot trial on the effect of Optically Modified Polyethylene, 2010, Casden.\nHologenix Mechanical Testing, 2013, Celiant \u0026amp; Intertek Procedures, 2012, Horinek\nWorking in a cold environment, feeling cold at work and chronic pain: a cross-sectional analysis of the Tromso Study, 2019, Farbu, Skandfer, Nielsen, Brenn, Stubhaug, Hoper.\nTranscutaneous Oxygen Tension (tcPO2) as a Primary Endpoint to Assess the Efficacy of an Optically Active Vsoactive Garment, 2012, Gordon, Coyle.\nContrast therapy - a systematic review, 2008, Hing, Bouaaphone, Lee. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https:\/\/kymira.com" }, "headline": "Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)", "description": "DVT is a blood condition where a blood clot forms in a vein. In this article we’re going to take a look at deep vein thrombosis, assessing what the science says about cause and prevention of the condition.", "image": [ "https:\/\/kymira.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/unnamed_0ca60865-8d66-4e31-b9e0-aa793f8dff17.jpg?v=1667494727\u0026width=3000" ], "datePublished": "2021-09-01T09:13:28Z", "dateCreated": "2022-11-03T16:07:17Z", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Stephen Hoyles" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "KYMIRA" } }