You have been treated for a lower limb fracture. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will reducing your risk of developing a blood and aid your recovery.
Information for patients
This information leaflet is for patients who are being sent home from the Emergency Department with a lower limb splint.
You may be at risk of developing DVT if your mobility is reduced for a period of time and you have any risk factors.
These risk factors include
- You are over 60
- You are dehydrated
- You are on the oral contraceptive pill
- You are on hormone replacement therapy
- You are overweight
- You have cancer or are receiving cancer treatment
- You have a condition that makes your blood more likely to clot
- You have inflamed varicose veins (phlebitis)
- You, or a close member of your family, have previously had a blood clot
- You are pregnant or have recently given birth
- You are known to suffer from a chronic medical condition (heart or lung disease, diabetes, inflammatory and rheumatological conditions)
What is deep venous thrombosis (DVT)?
DVT is a blood clot that forms in your veins that disturbs the blood flow. lt is not by itself life threatening. However, sometimes the blood clot can become dislodged and travel to your lungs. This is called a Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and can be very serious.
How can my risk of developing DVT be reduced?
Your Doctor or Nurse will have assessed your individual risks and given advice as to the most appropriate treatment for you.
Stay as active as possible. If you are unable to walk, try to move your legs, feet and circle your ankles as often as possible.
Take regular fluids to stop yourself becoming dehydrated (unless advised otherwise).
Sometimes this may not be enough and your Doctor or Nurse will discuss with you other ways to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot.
This may include an injection of a drug to thin your blood which is usually given daily under the skin in the stomach. You should continue to administer this injection until you are told by your Doctor or Nurse to stop.
Advice for those planning to travel
A prolonged period of immobility (such as long journeys by road, rail or by plane) significantly increases your risk of developing a blood clot.
If you are planning a long car or bus journey then you should try to move your legs and feet as often as possible and walk around at regular intervals. Your airline will be able to advise you whether you may fly with a plaster cast, however you should ensure you remain as active as possible during the flight, avoid alcohol and take regular fluids. Inform your Doctor or Nurse if you are planning a long haul flight in the next few weeks.
Warning signs and symptoms to watch out for
- Disproportionate pain in your leg despite taking regular painkillers
- Further swelling in your leg
- Warm or discoloured skin to the legs
- New shortness of breath/feeling breathless
- Pain in your chest, back or ribs that is worse when you breath in
- Coughing up blood
If you experience any of these symptoms you should return to hospital as soon as possible, dial 111 for advice or, in an emergency dial 999.
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