Frequently Asked Questions
Excerpted from recent VDF's Live "Ask the Doctor" Chats with Drs. King and Gornik, Transcripts of all chats may be found online at www.vdf.org.

Question: I was wondering if there is a particular type of exercise, other than walking, that I can do for PAD?
Answer: The best form of exercise to improve poor blood-vessel function of the legs (PAD) is exercise using the legs, especially exercise that is weight bearing, such as walking or using a treadmill. Exercise such as bicycling or swimming is good cardiovascular exercise and helps with risk factors for blood-vessel disease, but walking helps relieve the symptoms of claudication (leg pain from decreased circulation) since it helps those specific blood vessels and muscles.

Question: My doctor told me that I have venous stasis. My legs are painful just above my ankles. They are swollen and the skin is discolored. I have been wearing support stockings with not much help. Is there anything else that I can do?
Answer: There are a number of treatment options for venous stasis. First of all, it is important to be sure that your compression stockings are the correct strength and that they fit properly. There are actually many different types of compression therapy. Next, it is important to determine the cause of the venous stasis. If it is related to severe varicose veins, there may be options to treat the varicose veins, such as sclerotherapy, venous ablation or laser therapy. A vascular specialist should be able to address these issues.

Question: I learned that they called my clot a throbophlebitis, not a DVT. Is it as dangerous and does it travel to the lungs like DVT can?
Answer: Well, it actually depends on the type of "thrombophlebitis." This is a somewhat older term used to describe blood clots. It could be a deep vein thrombophlebitis (now usually called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT) that does have potential to travel to the lungs. However, thrombophlebitis can also be of a superficial vein, usually of a varicose vein that is very superficial in the skin. These clots are much less likely to break off and travel to the lungs, and are generally treated conservatively unless they are located in an area that is very close to the deep veins of the leg.

Question: If one is diagnosed with DVT, would strenuous exercise be recommended? Is it correct to assume that a clot could "break off" and cause a PE or other damage? Once a clot forms, can it be reduced nonsurgically or made more flexible so it doesn't fragment?
Answer: Bed rest is usually recommended for DVT patients for that reason, but clinical studies have shown that strict bed rest is not necessary. Patients with DVT who are on anticoagulation medication ("blood thinners") can walk and do light aerobic exercise, but should generally avoid heavy exercise for at least a few weeks.

Question: Do compression stockings help to reduce the "growth" of the varicose veins or just minimize symptoms? Is there anything I can do to stop them from "growing"?
Answer: Compression stocking can actually do both. They'll help your swelling. In addition, they can help treat the high vein pressures in the legs that might lead to new spider vein formation. Compression stockings are first-line therapy for venous insufficiency or varicose veins.