There are three main goals to Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) treatment.
- Prevent the clot from getting bigger.
- Prevent the clot from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs.
- Reduce the chances of another DVT.
DVT treatment options include:
- Blood thinners. These medicines, also called anticoagulants, help prevent blood clots from getting bigger. Blood thinners reduce the risk of developing more clots. Blood thinners may be taken by mouth or given by IV or an injection under the skin. There are many different types of blood-thinning drugs used to treat DVT. Together, you and your health care provider will discuss their benefits and risks to determine the best one for you. You might need to take blood thinner pills for three months or longer. It’s important to take them exactly as prescribed to prevent serious side effects. People who take a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven) need regular blood tests to monitor levels of the drug in the body. Certain blood-thinning medications are not safe to take during pregnancy.
- Clot busters (thrombolytics). These drugs are used for more-serious types of DVT or PE, or if other medications aren’t working. Clot busters are given by IV or through a tube (catheter) placed directly into the clot. They can cause serious bleeding, so they’re usually only used for people with severe blood clots.
- Filters. If you can’t take medicines to thin your blood, a filter may be placed into a large vein — the vena cava — in your belly (abdomen). A vena cava filter prevents clots that break loose from lodging in the lungs.
- Support stockings (compression stockings). These special knee socks help prevent blood from pooling in the legs. They help reduce leg swelling. Wear them on your legs from your feet to about the level of your knees. For DVT, you typically wear these stockings during the day for a few years, if possible.
- Surgery. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove a DVT clot in your arm or leg. This is typically only recommended with very large blood clots or clots that cause serious issues, like tissue damage. During a surgical thrombectomy or surgery to remove a blood clot, your surgeon will make an incision into a blood vessel. They’ll locate and remove the clot. Then, they’ll repair the blood vessel and tissue. In some cases, they may use a small inflating balloon to keep the blood vessel open while they remove the clot. When the clot is found and removed, the balloon is removed with it. Surgery isn’t without risks, so many doctors will recommend it only in severe cases. Risks include infection, damage to the blood vessel and excess bleeding
Lifestyle and home remedies
After DVT treatment, follow these tips to manage the condition and prevent complications or more blood clots:
- Ask about your diet. Foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale, other leafy greens and Brussels sprouts, can interfere with the blood thinner warfarin.
- Take medications as directed. Your provider will tell you how long you need treatment. If you’re taking certain blood thinners, you’ll need regular blood tests to see how well your blood is clotting.
- Watch for excessive bleeding. This can be a side effect of blood thinners. Ask your care provider about the warning signs. Know what to do if bleeding happens. Also ask your provider if you have activity restrictions. Minor injuries that cause bruising or even a simple cut may become serious if you’re taking blood thinners.
- Move. If you’ve been on bed rest because of surgery or other reasons, the sooner you get moving, the lower the chance that blood clots will develop.
- Wear support stockings. Wear these to help prevent blood clots in the legs if your provider recommends them.
Note that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious medical condition. Tell your doctor immediately if you think you’re experiencing symptoms of DVT, or go to the closest emergency room. A healthcare professional can check out your symptoms.