Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis and Its Impact on Athletes

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), commonly known as blood clotting, ranks as the third most prevalent vascular disease in the United States. A startling announcement from the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday brought this condition into the spotlight. Their star player, Victor Wembanyama, a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year, has been diagnosed with DVT in his shoulder, prematurely ending his sophomore season. Although it might sound unfamiliar, specialists emphasize that DVT can affect anyone—from ordinary individuals to elite NBA athletes.

In recent years, several players have been benched due to DVT. Chris Bosh, for instance, had to step away from playing with the Miami Heat because of a pulmonary embolism—blood clots in the lungs. Similarly, Brandon Ingram faced DVT in his right arm, mirroring Wembanyama’s situation. This condition cut short Ingram’s 2018-2019 season with the Lakers, yet he later bounced back to earn the Most Improved Player award with the Pelicans.

“The earlier the diagnosis and onset of treatment, the more favorable the outcomes tend to be,” explains Dr. John Hogg, a radiologist and founder of the Medical Vein Clinic in San Antonio.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that annually, DVT impacts one to three out of every 1,000 adults in the U.S., making it the third most common vascular disease following heart attacks and strokes. Here’s more insight on deep vein thrombosis.

What Causes DVT?

According to Dr. Hogg, blood clots arise from a mix of three main factors: damage to blood vessels, often occurring post-surgery; prolonged inactivity; and genetic predispositions or external factors such as dehydration or hormone therapy.

“All these factors culminate, slowing down blood flow, which makes clotting more likely,” describes Hogg. A diagnosis of cancer, obesity, age, and estrogen use can further elevate the risk of developing DVT, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This prevalent issue even impacts young athletes.

Heaviness, pain, or swelling in a limb are key signs of DVT or blood clotting, according to Hogg. However, a significant red flag is when these symptoms occur on only one side of the body.

“If one side is swollen and different, that’s worrisome,” he mentions. “Consider pain, heaviness, and any recent inactivity.” Typically, the CDC states DVT targets the lower limbs. When it appears in the shoulder, as with Wembanyama, it’s “a bit more complicated” because those areas are nearer to the heart and lungs, and 30% of people with DVT might experience recurrences.

Nonetheless, as with any DVT diagnosis, the sooner it’s identified and treated, the better.

Treatment Options

Upon diagnosing DVT, immediate action is critical, says Hogg. “Blood thinners are administered right in the clinic,” he notes. “It’s crucial to commence treatment promptly to enable patients to resume normal activities.”

Patients ought to refrain from strenuous physical exertions in the early stages of recovery. Eventually, they can start using compression sleeves on their arms or legs to boost blood circulation, enhancing their recovery process.

“The more that blood circulates, aided by the blood thinner—akin to Drano—it helps dissolve clots and facilitates faster recovery.”

For athletes, DVT may result from overuse, particularly through actions like dunking or blocking shots as frequently required of an NBA center.

“It’s not just a matter of resting for improvement,” says Dr. Michael Peck of the Vascular Institute of San Antonio. “The clot must be treated first, followed by addressing the underlying cause.”

Blood thinners may be given via injection or orally to clear clots, Peck says, but “we also need to assess the structural issue,” which could involve surgery.

Long-Term Consequences

The Spurs likely succeeded in catching Wembanyama’s DVT early. Those who delay treatment risk “lifelong complications in the affected limb,” warns Hogg.

“The sooner a blood clot is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis,” he notes. “If untreated for an extended period, clots can scar, narrowing the vessels.”