Is There a Strong Link Between Dorsal Vein Distension and Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Is there a strong association between dorsal venous dilation and deep vein thrombosis?

Hello, doctor.
I previously had an ultrasound examination at a vascular clinic, and the doctor informed me that there was only mild reflux in my left leg.
The recommendation was to wear compression stockings when sitting or standing for long periods.
After wearing them, the veins on the dorsum of my foot appeared less prominent, sometimes leaving only faint traces of the veins on my skin.
However, I recently noticed that when I wear the compression stockings, sometimes my foot gets warm, and upon checking, the veins on the dorsum still become engorged.
It's strange because sometimes my foot swells and feels warm in the afternoon, but by evening, it returns to normal and feels cool.
Once, around 5 PM to 6 PM, my foot suddenly became cold, and when I checked, the veins had subsided, leaving only traces without any swelling.
Is this a normal physiological phenomenon? Is it common for blood circulation to fluctuate? Could this be related to deep vein thrombosis? I have these concerns because during that time, I experienced a week of insufficient sleep, which led to feelings of chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate.
When taking deep breaths, I felt a slight pain near my left armpit.
I attributed this to lack of sleep, but this was a phenomenon I had not experienced before from staying up late.
Given the issues with the veins on the dorsum of my foot, I would like to know if there could be a connection between these two situations.

jim, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/28

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Based on your description, it does not seem like deep vein thrombosis; it appears more like varicose veins.
It is recommended to visit a vascular surgeon for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2020/12/28

More Info

The relationship between dorsal vein distension and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a nuanced topic that requires a thorough understanding of venous physiology and pathology. Based on your description, it seems that you have been experiencing some fluctuations in the appearance and sensation of the veins on the dorsal side of your foot. Let’s break down the potential connections and clarify the differences between dorsal vein distension and DVT.

Dorsal vein distension, often observed as visible swelling or bulging of the veins on the back of the foot, can be a result of various factors, including prolonged standing or sitting, increased venous pressure, or even the effects of wearing compression stockings. When you wear compression stockings, they are designed to apply pressure to the lower limbs, which can help improve venous return and reduce swelling. However, if the stockings are too tight or if they are not worn correctly, they can sometimes lead to discomfort or even exacerbate the appearance of vein distension.

On the other hand, deep vein thrombosis is a condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs. DVT can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism, where a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs. Symptoms of DVT typically include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in the affected limb, but it can also be asymptomatic in some cases.
In your situation, the intermittent nature of your symptoms—such as the veins appearing distended at times and then returning to normal—suggests that this may not be indicative of DVT. DVT usually presents with more persistent symptoms. The fact that your veins appear to swell after prolonged sitting and then return to normal when you change positions or after resting is more consistent with venous insufficiency or superficial venous reflux rather than a deep vein thrombosis.

The sensations you describe, such as warmth, coldness, and tingling in your foot, could be related to changes in blood flow or nerve sensitivity, especially if you have experienced sleep deprivation and stress. Sleep deprivation can affect your overall circulation and may lead to symptoms that feel more pronounced, such as the tingling or coldness in your extremities.
It is also important to note that while dorsal vein distension itself is not directly linked to DVT, both conditions can be influenced by similar risk factors, such as prolonged immobility, obesity, and certain medical conditions. Therefore, while they are distinct entities, they can coexist or share common underlying causes.

If you are concerned about the possibility of DVT, especially given your symptoms of chest tightness and discomfort, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend further diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound, to rule out DVT and assess the health of your veins.

In summary, while dorsal vein distension and DVT are related to venous health, they are not the same condition. Your symptoms seem more aligned with venous insufficiency rather than DVT. However, given your concerns and the symptoms you have experienced, it is essential to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and management. Regular movement, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing appropriate compression garments can help manage symptoms and improve venous circulation.

Similar Q&A

Is There a Link Between Dorsal Vein Distension and Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Hello, doctor. I previously visited a vascular specialist for an ultrasound, and the doctor informed me that there was only mild reflux in my left leg. The recommendation was to wear compression stockings when sitting or standing for long periods. After wearing them, the veins on...

Dr. Cai Guiqin reply Cardiology
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician to determine if further examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wish you good health!

Differentiating Symptoms of Thrombotic Venous Inflammation and Tendonitis

Dear Director, four months ago, I developed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in my calf due to tight bandaging from an injury. After taking anticoagulants, a follow-up ultrasound two weeks later showed no thrombosis. However, after exercising, I experienced myositis in that calf (diagn...

Dr. Cai Xingzhi reply Surgery
DVT is a condition treated by cardiologists, so please consult a cardiologist for ongoing treatment.

Understanding the Differences Between Varicose Veins and Venous Thrombosis

Hello, doctor. What is the difference between varicose veins and venous thrombosis? I have purple veins on my legs, and some spots hurt when I walk. Is this varicose veins or venous thrombosis? Can the eyes have varicose veins or thrombosis? The area around my eyes feels swollen ...

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology
Hello, Xiao Tian. The blood vessels in the human body can be simply categorized into three types: arteries, capillaries, and veins. After the heart pumps blood out, it is transported through the arteries. Capillaries are the sites for the exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste p...

Understanding the Connection Between Disc Herniation and Leg Pain

I am 35 years old and started experiencing symptoms of varicose veins in my lower limbs at the beginning of this year, along with a sensation of aching. An MRI performed at the end of November revealed a herniated disc between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae, diagnosed as &...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
*Typical sciatica caused by a herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) is most painful when bending forward, and sitting is more uncomfortable than standing, which can help differentiate it from discomfort caused by varicose veins. Your symptoms do not resemble those of varicose vein...