Finding a competitive athlete that has never had a minor injury is nearly impossible. Ankle-sprains, pulled or torn muscles, and knee-sprains are commonplace with athletes in high action and endurance sports.

These injuries heal fairly easy with proper care, but another problem may have formed and gone unnoticed. A type of blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis, has been found to appear in
patients that have had minor injuries.

A thrombosis is a specific type of blood clot that remains in place where it forms. Deep vein thrombo-sis, or DVT, occurs deep within muscle tissues. These are much harder to detect since they are not surface clots, and normally do not move. Commonly affecting the legs, which contain the femoral artery, the pelvis, and at times, the arms, a DVT may at first have no symptoms. At later stages the affected area can become painful, swollen, and superficial veins may be engorged. The worst thing that could happen is for the clot to break free and travel through the veins to the lungs. This creates a pulmonary embolism and can cause death if not treated immediately.

The journal Archives of Internal Medicine recently published an article about minor injuries being a risk factor for venous thrombosis. Researchers found that torn muscles and ligaments, as well as ankle and knee sprains, increased the chances of developing a DVT. There are other factors that increase risk
also.

Some other factors, presented along with preventive measures, are:

.     Obesity – Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise to help keep body fat content within optimal limits for size and height.
.         Recent infections – Keep infections clean and use prescribed antibiotics when necessary.
.         Long-term immobilization – When traveling by airplane or bus, try to do stretches or shift position as much as possible. Take a walk to the restroom and stretch the arms, legs, and the trunk on
the way.
.         Certain types of hormonal contraceptives – Always know the side-effects of any birth control method before starting them.

As with other health problems, tobacco usage also increases the risk of DVT. Senior players age 70 or older may have a higher risk. Fortunately, the benefits of athletic activity, even on a semi-regular basis, will most certainly help in decreasing the chances of this happening, no matter what age the player is.

Once a person is diagnosed as having a DVT, some form of treatment will follow. The most common of these is the use of anticoagulants, such as Heparin and Warfarin. If successful, the clot is broken down and absorbed back into the blood stream. Vitamin E, which can be found in peanut oil, olive oil, corn, asparagus, and oats, to name a few, may be used to help with prevention, and treatment of players with a DVT. Players can consult a physician for more information.

If you suspect that you have thrombosis, it is critical to seek the urgent consultation of a local sports injuries doctor for appropriate care. To locate a top doctor or physical therapist in your area, please visit our Find a Sports Medicine Doctor or Physical Therapist Near You section.

Read about sports injury treatment using the P.R.I.C.E. principle - Protection, Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation.

Source: Minor Injuries a Risk Factor for Venous Thrombosis, van Stralen, K.J., Rosendaal, F.R., Doggen, Carine J.M., Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume: 168(1), January 2008, 21-26.