Deep Vein Thrombosis: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

Home treatment for deep vein thrombosis focuses on safety while taking anticoagulants because of the increased risk for bleeding.

Anticoagulant treatment for a first episode of deep vein thrombosis usually lasts for 3 to 6 months. While you are being treated with anticoagulants, you need to:

• Take your anticoagulants as directed.
• Monitor your response to the medicines as your doctor recommends. This may require lab work once or twice each week at first and every 2 to 4 weeks later on.
• Avoid activities that pose a risk of serious injury, including activities at work.
• Manage your diet properly. Don't suddenly change your intake of foods that are rich in vitamin K. Vitamin K can interfere with the action of anticoagulants, making it more likely that your blood will clot. For more information, see:

  Anticoagulants: Vitamin K and your diet.

• Consult your doctor before taking any other medications, including aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or discontinuing or changing the dose of any medication you are currently taking.
• If you drink alcohol, use it only in moderation.

For more information, see:

Deep vein thrombosis: Taking anticoagulants safely.

Elevating your leg or wearing compression stockings may also help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis.

Use a heating pad on the affected leg for 20 to 30 minutes 3 to 4 times daily. Your doctor may recommend that you take walks 5 or 6 times a day, if possible. These measures may help reduce the pain and swelling that can occur with deep vein thrombosis.

Last updated:	January 15, 2008
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine, E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC