How do I manage my deep vein thrombosis (DVT) on a daily basis?
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Baptist Health South Florida answered:The first step in managing DVT is to follow your treatment plan, which will probably include taking anticoagulants regularly for at least three to six months and visiting your doctor for checkups. Getting up and walking around or flexing and stretching your calf muscles every 30 minutes while sitting for long periods can help to prevent your blood clot from getting bigger or new clots from forming. Limit your intake of leafy green vegetables and soybean and canola oils, as these contain vitamin K, which can interfere with the proper functioning of anticoagulants. Otherwise eat plenty of vegetables and fruits and exercise to lose or maintain an appropriate weight. If your doctor has prescribed elastic compression stockings, be sure to wear them properly so as not to cut off circulation to the legs.
The first step in managing DVT is to follow your treatment plan, which will probably include taking anticoagulants regularly for at least three to six months and visiting your doctor for checkups. Getting up and walking around or flexing and... More -
Healthwise answered:Home treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) focuses on:
- Taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) safely.
- Relieving symptoms.
- Wearing compression stockings.
Taking anticoagulants safely
If you take an anticoagulant medicine, also called a blood thinner, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems. These steps include:
- Preventing falls and injuries.
- Telling your doctors about all other medicines, supplements and vitamins that you take.
- Getting regular blood tests, if your doctor tells you to.
To relieve symptoms like pain and swelling, your doctor might recommend:
- Walking 5 or 6 times a day, if possible.
- Elevating your leg.
If you are not taking an anticoagulant, your doctor might suggest that you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain. Do not take an NSAID unless your doctor tells you that it's safe for you.
Wearing compression stockings
Compression stockings are specially fitted stockings that are designed to treat or help prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Compression Stockings: How to Use Them
If you have had deep vein thrombosis, these stocking might help:
- Prevent a complication called post-thrombotic syndrome
- Relieve symptoms like pain and swelling.
Home treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) focuses on: Taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) safely. Relieving symptoms. Wearing compression stockings. Taking anticoagulants safely If you take an anticoagulant medicine, also called a... More
