When it comes to athletes, an image of a young, fit and active individual comes to mind. Whether they’re a professional football player or a weekend warrior on the bicycle trail, they epitomize healthy living. As a result, it seems bizarre that such athletes can develop conditions usually associated with a more sedentary lifestyle. But that is indeed the case when it comes to deep vein thrombosis in athletes. Commonly referred to as blood clots, it is not unusual to hear about some sports figure having this condition. But whether it’s a post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis or spontaneous, it’s a condition that carries significant health risks.
Overall, anyone can have some inherent risks for developing blood clots besides a lack of physical activity. This explains why deep vein thrombosis in athletes can occur despite being active in sports. But at the same time, sports figures themselves can engage in activities that also increase the chances of blood clots. For example, post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis is a well-known phenomenon that can affect athletes. Likewise, dehydration, intense exercise, and sports-related travel may also play a role. With this in mind, the following explores this paradox between blood clots and athletes in more detail.
An Overview of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Athletes
In order to appreciate deep vein thrombosis in athletes well, some basic physiology knowledge is needed. Throughout the body, blood circulates through a collections of vessels involving both arteries and veins. Arteries, which carry oxygenated blood, is a high-pressure system moving the blood circulation quickly. As a result, blood clots in arteries are much less common and only occur in unusual situations. However, blood circulation in our bodies’ veins travels much more slowly, which makes clot formation more likely. That is especially true when venous circulation slows due to blockage, vein damage, and/or dehydration. And it is also more likely when a person, including an athlete, has a higher tendency to form blood clots.
Understanding this, there are a number of risks for deep vein thrombosis in athletes. Individuals who have a family history of blood clots or clotting disorders are more likely to have problems. The same is true for those who have anatomical variations of the body that compress or narrow specific veins. Also, post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis can develop when a vein is injured from blunt force. And female athletes who take oral contraceptives also have greater risks since these medications can enhance clotting mechanisms. These risks for deep vein thrombosis affect anyone, which helps explain why some athletes can develop blood clots as well.
However, not all blood clots in athletes can be explained by these factors or by post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis mechanisms. Other risks may also place some sports figures at risk that are specifically related to their active lifestyle. For example, athletes who engage in intense training have a higher risk for blood clots, especially when combined with dehydration. This combination makes venous blood less fluid, raising the chances of a deep vein thrombosis in athletes. Also, prolonged inactivity and immobilization during sports-related travel to and from a game also increased risks. With a lack of movement, venous blood tends to sit around longer in one place, increasing clot formation chances. Thus, despite being active during sports, the inactivity that follows can reverse its benefits when it comes to deep vein thrombosis.
Being Alert to Key Symptoms
When it comes to deep vein thrombosis in athletes, time is of the essence. When a blood clot forms in a vein, damage to tissues and muscles as well as the vein itself can occur if untreated. However, even more important is the risk of a piece of the clot moving downstream and clogging up other tissues. Specifically, blood clots can result in a pulmonary thrombosis where small vessels in the lung become blocked. This can be life-threatening in nature, and therefore, it’s important to seek help quickly with any suspected blood clot. Post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis carry a higher risk of pulmonary problems. But any such venous clot poses some risk. Given this, knowing the symptoms of a blood clot can help sports figures seek attention sooner rather than later.
Key symptoms usually involve swelling of the arm or leg where the vein blockage occurs. Cramps and tenderness over the muscle area is also a common complaint with deep vein thrombosis in athletes. Other common features include changes in the color of the skin of the extremity and an increase in the skin’s warmth. And should a pulmonary embolism develop secondarily, additional symptoms can include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for deep vein thrombosis in athletes to be misdiagnosed in cases that aren’t post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis. Because they are healthy individuals, an individual’s symptoms may be attributed to cramps, strained ligaments or muscle tears. This is why knowing common presenting features is essential.
Taking Precautions Against Blood Clots
In an effort to prevent deep vein thrombosis in athletes, some statistics help guide proper care. In large reviews, clots involving the upper extremities mainly involved male strength athletes and ball payers. Of these cases, risks linked to genetics and abnormal anatomy were the most commonly cited ones. Roughly 12%, however, were linked to intensive training. In terms of lower extremity clots, endurance and athletes in ball-related sports were at the greatest risk. Immobilization-related clots and post-traumatic deep vein thrombosis were among notable contributors. While one cannot change their genetics or anatomy, these figures indicate some protection against blood clots can be gained.
With this in mind, the best strategies for avoiding deep vein thrombosis in athletes involve proper care. This means ensuring one is well hydrated during practice and games. This is especially important when pursuing more intensive training. Likewise, healthy nutrition is important to better ensure proper functioning of the clotting system. And regular movements and stretching in an effort to avoid prolonged immobilization is essential. Finally, regular post-activity massage and non-invasive stimulation may also reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. These measures won’t guarantee that a blood clot may not form. But it will certainly reduce their chances.
