Another sports superstar, namely hockey defense man Henrik Tallinder of the New Jersey Devils, has been through the ordeal of acute thrombophlebitis.  In laymen’s terms, this condition is also known as a blood clot in the deeper veins and in his case it was located in the lower left leg.

According to Tallinder doctors could not determine with certainty what caused the blood clot but it is suspected that the thrombosis started as an infection in the vein.  Suppositions about possible triggers causing the blood clot range from a slap shot to being dehydrated when taking a flight.

It all started with pain and swelling in the lower part of the left leg that gradually got worse to the point of being excruciating.  The 33 year old player had to take blood thinner medications for several months to help dissolve the blood clot.

Initially he was told that he would be sidelined for approximately 2 ½ months.  In reality it has been a much longer road to recovery for Tallinder and he has only recently been cleared to play.  He is hoping to be part of the action in the upcoming Stanley Cup finals where the New Jersey Devils will be up against the Los Angeles Kings.

On doctor’s recommendations Henrik Tallinder has been told to take precautions during the flight, such as wearing compression stockings, getting up and walking around frequently during the flight and staying well hydrated.