Exercise Helps Problems After Leg Clot

An exercise program can help to improve post-thrombotic syndrome, new research finds. The condition is also called post-phlebitic syndrome. It develops in up to half of people who have had a blood clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis. The long-term syndrome can include leg pain, swelling, varicose veins and leg ulcers. The study included 43 people with post-phlebitic syndrome. They were randomly divided into two groups. One group received a 6-month supervised exercise program. The other got information plus follow-up phone calls. After 6 months, people in the exercise program felt better than people in the other group. Their symptoms and quality of life both improved. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published the study November 22.