p-ISSN: 1300-0551
e-ISSN: 2587-1498

Jerusalem Sports Medicine Institute, Lerner Sports Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel

Y. KAPLAN

Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis, football, exercise

Abstract

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur in athletes due to trauma or other non-related causes. Correct diagnosis is important, as DVT in athletes may have fatal consequences. It places the athlete at risk for pulmonary embolism (PE), especially in cases involving the proximal deep veins of the lower extremity, recurrent thrombosis and post-phlebitic syndrome. A case involving a football player 45 years of age, suspected of a hamstring tear, is presented. Symptomatic treatment aggravated the condition, and pain was persistent upon plantar flexion. DVT was diagnosed using ultrasonography. He had to interrupt athletic activity and received anti-coagulant therapy for four months, for full recovery.