San Antonio Spurs’ star center, Victor Wembanyama, will miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder.
In an unexpected blow to the San Antonio Spurs, star player Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder.
The condition was identified following his participation in the NBA All-Star Game, after he reported persistent low energy levels.
“Victor felt his arm didn’t feel completely normal. That was articulated to our medical staff. They looked into it and that’s how we got here.” Mitch Johnson said after the All-Star break,
Medical evaluations confirmed the presence of a blood clot, necessitating his withdrawal from the season.
Wembanyama reportedly had low energy recently that the Spurs felt was concerning, and after participating in All-Star Weekend and taking a short vacation afterward didn’t improve it, tests were done where the deep vein thrombosis was found, per The Athletic’s Sam Amick.
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 20, 2025
Despite the diagnosis and missing the rest of the season, the Spurs are confident that Wembanyama will make a full recovery for the start of next season.
“There is no concern for Victor’s [long-term] health personally or his basketball activities,” states Spur coach Mitch Johnson.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein. This most commonly occurs in the legs, but it can also occur in other areas of the body such as the shoulder, in Wembanyama’s case.
The clot can obstruct blood flow in the affected vein, leading to swelling and discomfort. If left untreated, DVT can cause more severe complications, including damage to the vein and chronic pain or swelling in the affected limb.
DVT is particularly dangerous because the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition, pulmonary embolism. This can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of DVT
Not all cases of DVT present clear symptoms, but common signs to look out for include:
- Warmth and swelling in the affected limb
- Pain or tenderness in the affected limb
- Darkened or discoloured skin around the clot
- Swollen veins that may be visible under the skin
In some cases, the symptoms of DVT may not follow these classic signs like swelling or pain. For instance, Wembanyama reported vague symptoms – low energy and a sense of unease. These could be signs of blood flow disruption.
These non-classical symptoms may go unnoticed or be attributed to overuse, making early diagnosis more difficult.
Treating DVT
Treatment for DVT typically focuses on preventing the clot from growing, reducing the risk of it breaking loose, and managing symptoms.
Common treatment options include:
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants): These help prevent new clots from forming and reduce the risk of the existing clot growing larger.
- Thrombolytic therapy: In select cases, medications that dissolve the clot may be used. These medication carry risks of bleeding.
- Surgical intervention: In some cases, the clot may need to be removed through surgery. These are done by vascular surgeons, for large clots or those that cause serious issues.
Preventing DVT
While DVT cannot always be avoided, one can take preventative steps to reduce the risk:
- Managing risk factors – Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and addressing any underlying health conditions
- Regular movement and exercise – Especially during long periods of travel, stretching and walking can help circulation
- Using compression stockings – For those at risk of DVT, compression stockings may be recommended by your doctor. These can help improve blood flow and decrease blood pooling in the veins of the legs.
When you think of an athlete, most picture peak health and performance, like Victor Wembanyama. Professional sports demand the highest levels of physical conditioning, and this makes elite athletes seem almost invincible.
This diagnosis serves as a stark reminder that DVT can affect anyone, regardless of fitness level. It can happen, and when symptoms are vague, it can be easy to dismiss them, too. Recognising the warning signs and seeking medical attention early can be the difference between a minor health setback and a life-threatening complication.
