Deep Vein Thrombosis - Home Treatment
Home treatment for deep vein thrombosis focuses on safety while taking anticoagulants, such as warfarin, because of the higher risk for bleeding.
Anticoagulant treatment for a first episode of deep vein thrombosis usually lasts for at least 3 months. Anticoagulant medicines are heparin and warfarin. When you take anticoagulants, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems.
Heparin. If you take heparin:
Warfarin. If you take warfarin:
- Get regular blood tests.
- Prevent falls and injuries.
- Eat a steady diet, and pay attention to foods that contain vitamin K.
- Tell your doctors about all other medicines and vitamins that you take.
For more information, see:
Elevating your leg or wearing
compression stockings may also help reduce the pain
and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis. See a slideshow about how to put on compression stockings 
.
Your doctor may recommend that you take walks 5 or 6 times a day, if possible. Walking may help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis.
Even if you are healthy and have a low risk of blood clots, sitting still for a long flight or road trip raises your risk of getting blood clots. If you already have a blood clot risk, prolonged sitting raises your risk even more. Learn about preventing blood clots from long periods of travel.
If you are already at high risk for deep vein thrombosis, talk to your doctor before taking a long trip.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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