Prevention
Preventive measures are used before and after any procedure or event that increases your risk of deep vein thrombosis. These measures include:
- Taking anticoagulants to prevent a blood clot that can develop after some types of surgery. They are also used in people who have a high risk of developing blood clots, such as those who have had previous clots.
- Exercising your lower leg muscles to improve circulation in your legs. Point your toes up toward your head so that the calves of your legs are stretched, then relax. Repeat. This exercise is especially important to do when you are sitting for long periods of time.
- Getting up out of bed as soon as possible after an illness or surgery. It is very important to get moving as soon as you are able. If you cannot get out of bed, do the leg exercise described above every hour to keep the blood moving through your legs.
- Using special stockings called compression stockings to help prevent deep vein thrombosis if you are at an increased risk.
Long airplane flights pose an increased risk for deep vein thrombosis, even for those who may not normally be at risk. Many doctors recommend that you wear compression stockings during a journey longer than 8 hours. Also, when on long flights walk up and down the aisle hourly, flex and point your feet every 20 minutes while sitting, drink plenty of water—a large glass every 2 hours—and avoid alcohol and beverages with caffeine, which can dehydrate you and increase your risk for clots.
If you are already at high risk for deep vein thrombosis, talk to your doctor before taking a long flight.
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are also used to prevent deep vein thrombosis. These devices alternately inflate and deflate knee-high boots, which results in decreased pooling of blood in the legs. IPC pumps are often used when people stay in a hospital.
