Compression Hosiery to Avoid Post Thrombotic Syndrome (CHAPS) Randomised Controlled Trial

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in 1 in 1000 persons in the UK annually. Half of those with lower limb, proximal DVT (involving the popliteal, femoral, iliac veins or a combination) go on to develop chronic pain, swelling, skin changes and/or skin breakdown secondary to post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). PTS is a lifelong disability affecting men and women of working age. Patients with PTS may have difficulty walking, standing for prolonged periods and maintaining employment. The severity of PTS increases with age and body mass index. With an older, heavier UK population, the burden of PTS is set to rise.