Treatment and Prevention
Medications are usually used to stop progression of DVT and prevent the blood clot from worsening, breaking away, and moving to the lungs. If you think you may have DVT, seek medical attention right away. Blood-thinning medications such as warfarin* or heparin are usually recommended. These medications may be continued for several months after a blood clot has been diagnosed. Most people do not require admission to a hospital to treat DVT, and those with DVT can usually return to normal activities within two to three weeks.
For some people, long-term treatment with warfarin (an anticoagulant) may be necessary to prevent new blood clots from forming. Your doctor may also recommend that you wear an elastic support stocking on your leg to prevent DVT. Painkillers may be used to reduce the pain.
To relieve mild inflammation and discomfort, the affected area should be elevated and warm moist packs applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time throughout the day. For people with superficial thrombophlebitis, activities such as walking are recommended. If the inflammation and symptoms last longer than a day or two, or if symptoms become worse, see a doctor as soon as possible.
In cases where the thrombophlebitis is due to an infection, treatment with antibiotics often takes care of the problem. In rare cases, when the antibiotics aren't enough to control the infection, surgical removal of the inflamed portion of the vein may be required.
To help prevent DVT, avoid long periods of immobility such as those during long car trips or airplane flights. Try to walk around and stretch for a few minutes every hour or so. Elevate your legs above your heart level if possible, and if you have a history of blood clots, wear support stockings or socks.
Prevention of blood clots is the best way to deal with the problems of heart disease and stroke. It is important to reduce or quit smoking and to control high blood pressure. High cholesterol levels also present a risk for blood clots and may be checked by your doctor. A healthy diet and regular exercise also help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
For more information, see our articles on heart attack, and stroke.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.