"Could better instructions have helped to avoid DVT after fractured foot."

My niece fractured her foot earlier this year. She was sent home with instructions to keep her foot elevated and non-weight bear. She was not told about the risk of DVT nor given any instructions for prophylactic management of this risk.

At her follow up appointment in Fracture Clinic 2 weeks later, she complained of calf pain. An ultrasound found a large DVT in her calf for which she is now receiving drug therapy. This could all have been avoided with some words of wisdom early on!