Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for leg blood clot

by Dr. Ida Schmitt III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Ginger

Apr 02, 2020 · According to MedlinePlus, a blood clot in the leg, also known as a deep vein thrombosis, is treated with anticoagulants, blood thinners, pressure stockings or surgery. Wikipedia also lists exercise, aspirin and intermittent pneumatic compression as possible treatment options.

Turmeric

Surgical thrombectomy, in which the clot is surgically removed from the vein or artery, is often used in arms or legs, but can be used elsewhere in the body. For patients who are at high risk of developing clots in the deep veins of the legs—also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT)—preventive measures should be considered.

Garlic

Jun 02, 2019 · In time, the blood clot in your leg will dissolve and disappear. Some types of blood thinners that are prescribed include heparin, warfarin, or Xa inhibitors. 20 Advertisement In serious cases of DVT where there is a risk of pulmonary embolism, your doctor may blast the blood clot using a catheter.

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Aug 01, 2021 · Stretch your legs. Get up every hour or two and stretch your calves or move your ankles back and forth repeatedly. "The calf muscles act like pumps and propel blood through the veins," Dr. Scovell says. Move your legs while you’re lying down. Bend your knees, or point and flex your feet. Wear compression stockings.

Vitamin E Rich Foods

Mar 24, 2022 · Medicines that help prevent further blood clots from forming or that dissolve serious vein blockages are the main treatments for VTE. Without treatment, VTE can restrict or block blood flow and oxygen, which can damage the body’s tissue or organs.

How do you treat a blood clot in the leg?

Dec 29, 2021 · Keep your leg raised when sitting or lying down. Use a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), if recommended by your doctor. Let your doctor know if you're taking another blood thinner, such as aspirin.

How dangerous is a blood clot in the leg?

Jul 09, 2020 · Clots often require a blood thinner like Pradaxa, Xarelto or even aspirin. Serious blood clots may need other medical interventions, such as an IVC filter. If a blood clot detaches, the leg pain or soreness can also move. Migration of …

How painful is a DVT in leg?

How to treat a DVT at home?

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How do you treat a blood clot in the leg at home?

Home tips for managing symptomsWear graduated compression stockings. These specially fitted stockings are tight at the feet and become gradually looser up on the leg, creating gentle pressure that keeps blood from pooling and clotting.Elevate the affected leg. Make sure your foot is higher than your hip.Take walks.Nov 9, 2017

How do you treat a blood clot in the leg?

Anticoagulants: The most common treatment for a blood clot is anticoagulants or blood thinners. They work by reducing the body's ability to form new clots and preventing existing clots from growing larger. Anticoagulants can be given in the form of pills or intravenous injections.

How long does it take for a blood clot to go away in your leg?

It is important to start treatment right away for DVT. It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away. During this time, there are things you can do to relieve symptoms. Elevate your leg to reduce swelling.Sep 10, 2020

Is blood clot in leg curable?

These clots usually develop in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis, but they can also occur in the arm. It is important to know about DVT because it can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability, and in some cases, death. The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early.

Does a blood clot require hospitalization?

Hospitalization is recommended for patients with massive DVT, with symptomatic pulmonary embolism, at high risk of anticoagulant bleeding, or with major comorbidity.

What happens if a blood clot in the leg goes untreated?

If left untreated, about 1 in 10 people with a DVT will develop a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is a very serious condition which causes: breathlessness – which may come on gradually or suddenly. chest pain – which may become worse when you breathe in.Nov 1, 2021

Is bed rest required for DVT?

Don't recommend bed rest following diagnosis of acute DVT after the initiation of anti-coagulation therapy, unless significant medical concerns are present.

What are the first signs of a blood clot?

Arms, LegsSwelling. This can happen in the exact spot where the blood clot forms, or your entire leg or arm could puff up.Change in color. You might notice that your arm or leg takes on a red or blue tinge, or gets or itchy.Pain. ... Warm skin. ... Trouble breathing. ... Lower leg cramp. ... Pitting edema. ... Swollen, painful veins.Jun 17, 2020

What are the first signs of a blood clot in the leg?

DVT signs and symptoms can include:Swelling in the affected leg. Rarely, there's swelling in both legs.Pain in your leg. The pain often starts in your calf and can feel like cramping or soreness.Red or discolored skin on the leg.A feeling of warmth in the affected leg.Dec 22, 2020

Is walking good for blood clots?

Aerobic activity -- things like walking, hiking, swimming, dancing, and jogging -- can also help your lungs work better after a pulmonary embolism. Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness. Physical activity can also make you feel more energized.Apr 18, 2020

Does a blood clot go away on its own?

Blood clots do go away on their own, as the body naturally breaks down and absorbs the clot over weeks to months. Depending on the location of the blood clot, it can be dangerous and you may need treatment.

How long do you stay in the hospital for a blood clot?

The length of time you will stay in the hospital for treatment of a blood clot varies. The average hospital stay length is between five and seven days. However, some people may only stay for two or three days while others stay for two to three weeks.Oct 15, 2018

What is the best treatment for blood clots?

Thrombolytics: Thrombolytics are only recommended for individuals whose blood clots did not respond to basic anticoagulants or have extensive clots. They work by dissolving blood clots but can increase the risk of bleeding. Thrombolytics are only administered by a catheter or intravenous injections.

Can a blood clot in your leg be a medical problem?

The discovery of a blood clot in your leg can lead to severe health problems if left untreated.

How to prevent blood clots from forming?

Blood-thinning medications are commonly used to prevent blood clots from forming or getting bigger. Thrombolytic medications can break up existing clots. Catheter-directed treatments, such as percutaneous transcatheter treatment, are done by inserting a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin.

Where is a thrombectomy tube used?

Surgical thrombectomy, in which the clot is surgically removed from the vein or artery, is often used in arms or legs, but can be used elsewhere in the body.

Can blood clots cause shortness of breath?

Blood clots can be very serious, so symptoms of blood clots should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. If not treated, a clot can break free and cause a pulmonary embolism—where the clot gets stuck in a blood vessel in the lung, causing severe shortness of breath and even sudden death.

How to treat blood clots in legs?

Here are some tips and at home treatments which can help you deal with a blood clot in leg. 1. Leg Elevation and Compression. Elevating the leg and wearing compression stocking is part of the deep vein thrombosis treatment. This will help relieve the swelling and pain which characterized blood clot in legs. When wearing compression stocking, make ...

What foods can help with blood clots in legs?

Foods which are high in vitamin E are almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, olive oil, sunflower seeds, avocado, broccoli, spinach, etc. You can always take vitamin E supplement pills as well. 9. Take Your Medication. Here are some additional tips that can help you with the blood clot in leg treatment at home:

What happens if you have a blood clot in your leg?

Usually, the blood clot is gelatinous and solid. This condition leads to swelling, muscle ache, changes in the color of the skin, etc. Blood clots in the treatment can lead to serious problems when these clots dislodge themselves and travel through the circulatory system. If these blood clots reach into the lungs, then pulmonary embolism develops. Pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency, often leading to death. Is there any treatment at home?

What is the best blood thinner for thrombosis?

Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper is a natural blood thinner which can help in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis as well. Capsaicin found in the cayenne pepper promotes blood circulation, preventing the formation of blood clots. This compound also reduces the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

What is the best medicine for deep vein thrombosis?

4. Turmeric . Turmeric is a spice with blood-thinning properties. The active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin, which prevents blood clotting. Turmeric also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis plaques in the blood vessels, another factor which contributes to deep vein thrombosis.

How to reduce swelling and pain from a swollen thigh?

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric will reduce the swelling and pain as well. You can either consume turmeric supplements or drink a juice of turmeric , milk, and honey once or twice a day. 5. Garlic. Garlic is known to help lower the blood pressure, but it also prevents blood clotting.

How to get blood flow in legs?

Lift the leg higher than the hip. 2. Regular Physical Exercise. Regular physical exercise is very important for overall health, including the health of your legs. Moderate regular physical exercises will improve the blood circulation.

How to prevent blood clots in legs?

If you've been on bed rest because of surgery or other factors, the sooner you get moving, the lower the chance that blood clots will develop. Wear compression stockings . Wear these to help prevent blood clots in the legs if your doctor recommends them.

How to treat DVT?

DVT is most commonly treated with anticoagulants, also called blood thinners. These drugs don't break up existing blood clots, but they can prevent clots from getting bigger and reduce your risk of developing more clots. Blood thinners may be taken by mouth or given by IV or an injection under the skin.

What blood thinners are used for DVT?

The most commonly used injectable blood thinners for DVT are enoxaparin (Lovenox) and fondaparinux (Arixtra). After taking an injectable blood thinner for a few days, your doctor may switch you to a pill. Examples of blood thinners that you swallow include warfarin (Jantoven) and dabigatran (Pradaxa).

What blood test is used to diagnose a blood clot?

Tests used to diagnose or rule out a blood clot include: D-dimer blood test. D dimer is a type of protein produced by blood clots. Almost all people with severe DVT have increased blood levels of D dimer. A normal result on a D-dimer test often can help rule out PE. Duplex ultrasound.

What to do if you can't take medicine to thin your blood?

If you can't take medicines to thin your blood, you might have a filter inserted into a large vein — the vena cava — in your abdomen. A vena cava filter prevents clots that break loose from lodging in your lungs. Compression stockings. These special knee socks reduce the chances that your blood will pool and clot.

What is the procedure to check for clots in the foot?

The test is invasive, so it's rarely performed. Other tests, such as ultrasound, often are done first. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

How to diagnose DVT?

Diagnosis. To diagnose DVT, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms. You'll also have a physical exam so that your doctor can check for areas of swelling, tenderness or changes in skin color. The tests you have depend on whether your doctor thinks you are at a low or a high risk of DVT. Tests used to diagnose or rule out a blood clot include: ...

What is a blood clot in the leg called?

The medical term for a blood clot is a thrombus, and a blood clot deep in the vein of the legs is referred to as venous thrombosis. The journal Annual Review of Fluid Mechanics says that a blood clot is a congealing of platelets that stick together to form a thick mass.

What happens if a blood clot in your leg doesn't go away?

If a blood clot in your leg doesn’t go away naturally but continues to develop, you will start to have pain in your lower legs. The pain of the blood clot may start off as a dull ache and gradually intensify as the clot grows.

How to know if you have a DVT?

Because deep vein thrombosis can have serious and potentially fatal consequences, you should seek emergency medical help if you have any of its symptoms. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that the signs of possible serious complications of DVT are: 8 1 Unexplained swelling in your calf muscle that is sore and red 2 Warmth in your lower leg 3 Chest pain that comes on suddenly or intensifies when you breathe deeply 4 Coughing up pinkish sputum with streaks of blood 5 A rapid pulse 6 Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

What causes redness in the lower leg?

A blood clot in your leg that is associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause your lower leg to be sore, swollen, and red. A blood clot that develops deep in the veins of one of your legs can result in serious complications. If the leg clot doesn’t dissolve naturally, it can travel through your veins, eventually reaching your lungs ...

Why do blood clots form in the legs?

Blood clots form in the legs due to poor circulation, injury to the veins, a side effect of medication, or complication after surgery.

Where does blood clot pain go?

Dr. Kuashal Patel (quoted earlier) says that usually the pain of a deep venous blood clot in the leg is localized to the calf muscle. However, in some cases, you can feel the pain right up to your inner thigh. 12. Advertisement.

What happens when a leg clot breaks off?

This is when an embolus (part of the leg clot that breaks off) blocks an artery in the lungs. This greatly reduces oxygen supply to tissues in your body, and the complications of the blood clot can fatal. 2.

Causes and triggers

After your arteries bring oxygen-rich blood to your legs, your veins send the blood back up to your heart and lungs (for more oxygen).

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Symptoms and risks

Be on the lookout for symptoms of two types of blood clots that can form in the legs.

Avoiding blood clots

There are apps available to help you determine your risk for getting a DVT. Dr. Scovell recommends an app called "Caprini DVT Risk," available on iOS devices, such as an iPhone.

What if you have symptoms?

If you have new symptoms indicating the possibility of a DVT or a PE, and if you can’t speak immediately to your doctor or nurse, go to the emergency room. "It’s an emergency, not something to check out on Monday if it’s Friday," Dr. Scovell says.

Disclaimer

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

What is the treatment for blood clots in people with DVT?

Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Clot-dissolving medications. Treatment with a clot-dissolving drug is called thrombolysis. The medication alteplase (Activase) is used to dissolve blood clots in people with extensive DVT, including those who have a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

What to take after clot treatment?

After the first treatment, you'll likely be told to take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) or rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for several months to keep preventing clot growth. Blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding. Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Clot-dissolving medications.

What to do if you can't take blood thinners?

If you can't take blood thinners, a filter may be inserted into the main vein in your abdomen (vena cava) to prevent clots that break loose in leg veins from lodging in your lungs.

What is the key information for a blood clotting appointment?

Key personal information, including a family history of blood-clotting disorders or long periods of inactivity recently, such as a car or plane trip. All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take.

How to remove varicose veins?

Your doctor can surgically remove varicose veins that cause pain or recurrent thrombophlebitis. The procedure involves removing a long vein through small incisions. Removing the vein won't affect blood flow in your leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the increased volumes of blood.

What is the best blood thinner for thrombophlebitis?

Let your doctor know if you're taking another blood thinner, such as aspirin. If you have deep vein thrombosis:

How to diagnose thrombophlebitis?

To diagnose thrombophlebitis, your doctor will ask you about your discomfort and look for affected veins near your skin's surface. To determine whether you have superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis, your doctor might choose one of these tests: Ultrasound. A wandlike device (transducer) moved over the affected area ...

What are the risk factors for blood clots in the leg?

Blood Clot Risk Factors. family history. high blood pressure. obesity. surgery. hormonal birth control pills. long-distance travel. Blood clots in your leg - a condition known as deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) - can form for a variety of reasons. People who spend a lot of time sitting are at the highest risk of DVT.

What test can you use to diagnose blood clots?

Doctors have a variety of tests they can use to diagnose blood clots. They may use ultrasound, the D-dimer test (a blood test for levels of a natural substance that dissolves blood clots), venography, and possibly even an MRI or CT scan. The important thing is not to wait too long.

How do blood clots form?

Blood clots that form in the veins of your leg (DVT) will typically form slowly over time. This means that the symptoms described above may not come all at once. If they do appear, they will likely increase in intensity over time. It is important to get the problem checked out if you notice these symptoms are getting worse.

What causes swelling in the leg?

2: Swelling in the Leg. Pain and soreness caused by a blood clot will often be accompanied by swelling. Many people may assume that this is caused by a less severe injury. Muscle pulls, strains or cramps often cause swelling.

What does it feel like to have a blood clot?

1: Sore Muscle or "Charlie Horse". Many people ignore the early warning signs of a blood clot because they often feel just like a pulled muscle. For individuals who work out on a daily basis, it might feel like you overexerted yourself a little bit on your last leg day.

What does it mean when a blood clot forms?

When a blood clot forms, it will often block the blood flow in your veins (most commonly). This blockage can lead to several other symptoms. One of these is discoloration, which can be bluish or purplish like a bruise. It may also be reddish and look more like inflammation or an infection.

What happens if a blood clot breaks off?

If a blood clot breaks off and begins traveling through the body (known as a venous thromboembolism), it can cause all sorts of life-threatening conditions. These include: Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs) Stroke. Heart attack. These conditions may come with serious symptoms, including: Chest pain. Vomiting.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

  • Not everyone goes through the same treatment for a deep-vein blood clot. Treatment can include: 1. Anticoagulants: The most common treatment for a blood clot is anticoagulants or blood thinners. They work by reducing the body's ability to form new clots and preventing existing clots from growing larger. Anticoagulants can be given in the form of pi...
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • There are three main goals to DVTtreatment. 1. Prevent the clot from getting bigger. 2. Prevent the clot from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs. 3. Reduce your chances of another DVT. DVTtreatment options include: 1. Blood thinners. DVT is most commonly treated with anticoagulants, also called blood thinners. These drugs don't break up exis...
See more on mayoclinic.org

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