Introduction to Thrombosis in Athletes
Thrombosis is a serious medical condition that can affect anyone, including athletes. The French basketball star Victor Wembanyama has been out of action since February due to thrombosis and underwent shoulder surgery in March. His participation in the European Championships at the end of August 2025 is still uncertain. Thrombosis is not a joke, and it can have severe consequences, as seen in the cases of former NBA player Chris Bosh and tennis icon Serena Williams.
What is Thrombosis?
Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a blood vessel, which can block the vessel and hinder blood flow. Every thrombosis is an emergency, and vascular occlusions in deep leg and pelvic veins are particularly dangerous. If part of the blood clot breaks loose, it can get into the lungs via the heart and block veins that are crucial for breathing, leading to pulmonary embolism.
Risk Factors and Affected Sports
According to sports doctor Pascal Bauer, there is a slightly increased risk of thrombosis in sports that involve the upper body and repetitive arm movements, such as ice hockey, handball, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and tennis. Athletes who develop a lot of muscle mass can compress their veins, leading to endothelial damage and thrombosis. Contact sports like football and long-distance running also carry a risk of thrombosis due to the potential for injuries and micro-injuries.
Alarm Signals and Diagnosis
The classic symptoms of leg vein thrombosis include one-sided swelling of the lower leg, pain, a feeling of heat, and a bluish-purple coloring. In the case of arm thrombosis, the person may experience a feeling of tension, followed by urgent pain, and a network of veins may form on the skin surface. Thrombosis can be diagnosed using a combination of blood analysis and imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent thrombosis, athletes should prioritize preventive sports examinations and good training hygiene. Staying hydrated, moving regularly, and wearing compression stockings on long flights or bus journeys can also help reduce the risk. Treatment typically involves blood-thinning medication, which can take three to six months to clear up the thrombosis. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to shorten the upper rib and create more space for the vein.
Returning to Sports after Thrombosis
After a thrombosis, athletes can return to training carefully, but not in competitive mode. The risk of bleeding caused by injuries is significantly increased by blood-thinning medication, which can prevent athletes from participating in contact sports. In some cases, athletes may need to undergo surgery to prevent future thrombosis. It is essential for athletes to listen to their bodies and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of thrombosis.
