The Popliteal vein is a major blood vessel that runs behind the knee, carrying blood from your legs to your heart. When a blood clot, or thrombosis, forms in this vein, it’s known as a Popliteal Vein Thrombosis or PVT.
Popliteal Vein Thrombosis
Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT) can result in a blood clot behind the knee. Like all blood clots, PVT is potentially very dangerous as it can break loose and travel to the lungs, heart, or brain, causing terrible health problems including stroke or pulmonary embolism.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the symptoms of Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT), the causes of PVT, blood clots behind the knee, treatments for PVT, and ways you can prevent Popliteal vein thrombosis.
Popliteal Vein Thrombosis Symptoms
The symptoms of Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT) or deep vein thrombosis behind the knee can vary depending on how severe the clot is. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Swelling and pain in the leg
- Warmth or redness in the leg
- Difficulty walking
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Varicose vein
- Blood clot behind the knee
- Pain behind the knee
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away as PVT can be very dangerous. A blood clot also may exist without any symptoms showing.
Causes of Popliteal Vein Thrombosis (PVT)
There are several causes of Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT), including:
- Injury to the vein: An injury to the popliteal vein can cause blood to pool and clot. This is often seen in people who have recently had surgery on their knee, leg, or foot.
- Immobility: If you are confined to bed rest for a long period of time, your blood may pool and clot. This is often seen in people who are hospitalized or have recently had an accident.
- Genetic factors: Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to blood clotting. This can increase your risk of Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT).
- Obesity: Being obese can increase the amount of strain on your veins and make you more likely to develop a blood clot.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for blood clots.
- Age: The risk of Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT) increases with age.
- Prolonged periods of sitting or standing: If you stand or sit for long periods of time, your blood may pool and clot. This is often seen in people who have sedentary jobs.
- Birth control: Birth control pills can increase the risk of blood clots.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of blood clots.
- Surgery: If you recently had surgery, you are at a greater risk for blood clots.
Popliteal Vein Thrombosis Treatment
The treatment for Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT) will vary depending on the severity of the clot. In some cases, the clot may dissolve on its own. However, if the clot is large or causing symptoms, you may need medication or surgery.
Medication
If you have pain behind your knee from a small clot, your doctor may prescribe blood thinners to dissolve the clot. Blood thinners can have side effects, so you will need to be closely monitored by your doctor.
Surgery
If you have a large clot or the clot is causing severe symptoms, you may need surgery to remove the clot. This is a major surgery and has a long recovery time.
How to Prevent Popliteal Vein Thrombosis (PVT)
There are several things you can do to prevent Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT), including:
- Exercise regularly: Exercise helps keep your blood flowing and prevents it from pooling.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor for blood clots.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
- Don’t sit or stand for long periods of time: If you have a sedentary job, take breaks often to move around and prevent your blood from pooling.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing: Wearing loose-fitting clothing can help prevent vein damage.
- Raise your legs when sitting: Doing so can help blood flow more easily.
- Use compression stockings: These also help blood flow back to your heart from your legs.
Be aware of your risk factors: If you have any of the risk factors for Popliteal vein thrombosis (PVT), be sure to talk to your doctor and take steps to reduce your risk.
San Diego Vein Specialists
If you are concerned about your vein health, it’s worth seeing a vein specialist for a consultation.
If you suffer from varicose veins or spider veins, we typically will recommend considering having a procedure done to cure the problem altogether by getting rid of the veins. If you are considering such a procedure, contact Kafri Wellness Clinic at (619) 434-0204 to schedule an evaluation and get more information.
At Kafri Wellness Clinic, we have over 25+ years of experience working with patients to address vein issues. We also take into consideration a cardiovascular approach to your treatment to give you as much insight into your health as possible.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you, please contact us today!
