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LIFESTYLE & COMMUNITY

9 Tips That Can Help Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis And Manage This Condition At Home

Date December 27, 2017

Author By Ivy Rodgers

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious health condition that occurs when blood clots start to form in veins. A deep vein blood clot can develop in any area of the body, but typically, it forms in the thigh and calf.

Diagnosing and treatment of deep blood thrombosis are essential because the blood clots can lead to a severe, life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. This condition happens when the blood clot breaks off and blocks an artery in the lung.

Nearly 350,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis each year. Moreover, many people have deep vein thrombosis and don’t even know about it.

People with deep vein thrombosis are usually prescribed special medications called blood thinners or anticoagulants. These pills can help stop the growth of the blood clot and prevent further clots.

There are several things you can do at home to improve the symptoms and avoid deteriorating health.

The main measures for deep vein thrombosis include the following:

  • taking your prescribed meds regularly and safely;
  • improving your symptoms, such as pain and swelling;
  • reducing your risk of further blood clots.

How to manage symptoms of deep vein thrombosis at home

Deep vein thrombosis may show no symptoms, but sometimes, this condition leads to leg swelling and pain. Patients experience the pain in the calf that feels like intense cramps.

To improve the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, you can do the following:

  • wear compression stockings: these special stockings are created to place gentle pressure on your legs and keep your blood from clotting;
  • elevate your legs: be sure that your feet are higher than your hip;
  • don’t forget about walks: avoid sitting for long periods of time and walking can improve blood flow;
  • drink enough water: it can be helpful in improving circulation and flushing out irritating toxins to reduce the chance of clots.

How to prevent deep vein thrombosis

You can take several steps to prevent this serious disease.

  1. Be physically active. Exercise regularly, if possible. Bicycling, swimming or walking can be great ways to keep your veins healthy. In addition, daily exercise along with a healthy diet may help you manage your weight that is also important.
  2. Don’t smoke. If you smoke, stop. This bad habit affects your blood vessels negatively. It also increases your risk of heart problems. Consult with your doctor to choose the best stop-smoking strategy.
  3. Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Follow your doctor’s recommendations about taking meds if you need them.
  4. Always tell your doctor about your family history of any blood-clotting issues. If your close family member had deep vein thrombosis, you are at greater risk.
  5. Women who take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy should also consult with their doctors about the risk of blood clots. Pregnant women are also at risk.

Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition, so it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment. If you don’t treat this disease, it can lead to a pulmonary embolism that is a medical emergency.

Source: Healthline, WebMD, StopTheClot

READ ALSO: 8 Useful Mental Health Tips On How To Avoid Stress During The Christmas Period

This article is purely for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for harm that may result from using the information stated in the article.

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