Can lower limb venous thrombosis cause leg swelling?

Lower extremity venous thrombosis can cause foot swelling. Treatment requires anticoagulation, thrombolysis or surgery according to the specific situation. After lower extremity venous thrombosis occurs, blood return is blocked, venous pressure increases, and fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, causing foot swelling. Timely medical treatment is the key to avoiding worsening of the condition.

1. Anticoagulant therapy is the basic treatment for lower extremity venous thrombosis. Commonly used drugs include low molecular weight heparin, warfarin and rivaroxaban. Low molecular weight heparin can quickly inhibit further thrombosis through subcutaneous injection; warfarin requires regular monitoring of coagulation function and adjustment of dosage; rivaroxaban is convenient to take orally and does not require frequent monitoring. Anticoagulant therapy usually lasts for 3-6 months, and the specific time is determined according to the condition.

2. Thrombolytic therapy is suitable for patients in the acute stage or with severe symptoms. Commonly used drugs include urokinase, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and alteplase. Urokinase can directly dissolve blood clots through intravenous injection; recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and alteplase are more selective and have fewer side effects. Thrombolytic therapy needs to be performed in the hospital and the risk of bleeding must be closely monitored.

3. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients who have poor response to anticoagulation and thrombolytic therapy or have contraindications. Common methods include catheter thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy and venous filter implantation. Catheter thrombolysis injects thrombolytic drugs directly into the thrombus site through a catheter to improve the efficiency of thrombolysis; mechanical thrombectomy uses special equipment to remove the thrombus, which is suitable for large thrombi; venous filter implantation is used to prevent thrombus detachment from causing pulmonary embolism, and is suitable for patients who cannot tolerate anticoagulation therapy.

4. Lifestyle adjustments can help prevent recurrence of lower extremity venous thrombosis. It is recommended to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and to move the lower extremities regularly to promote blood circulation. Wearing elastic stockings can reduce pressure on the lower extremity veins and reduce swelling. In terms of diet, eating more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoiding high-fat, high-salt diets can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Lower limb venous thrombosis requires timely treatment, and anticoagulation, thrombolysis or surgical treatment should be selected according to the condition. At the same time, the lifestyle should be adjusted to prevent recurrence.