Healthy Living and Fitness

Illness Care: Deep Vein Thrombosis

Treatment of Deep-Vein Thrombosis

The clot itself will usually resolve through the natural healing processes. Treatment is also aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing the clot from travelling to the lungs, heart, brain, or other areas. Treatment usually requires hospitalisation, at least initially.

To limit the growth of the blood clot in the deep venous system anticoagulants (sometimes call blood thinners) or antiplatelet medications (such as aspirin) are prescribed to prevent further clotting. Anticoagulant medicines impair the body's normal blood clotting processes. Currently, two types of anticoagulants are used. One is heparin, which is given intravenously and acts very rapidly. The other is warfarin , which is given orally and takes 4 to 5 days before being effective. Typically, a patient is started on both medications at the same time. Then, after about 5 days and when a blood testing confirms that the warfarin is working adequately, the heparin is stopped.

Analgesics may be needed to control pain. Thrombolytics (clot dissolving medications) are rarely needed.

Bed rest may be recommended until the symptoms are relieved. The leg may be elevated to reduce swelling. Avoid prolonged sitting. Warm, moist heat to the area may help relieve pain.

After return home, the patient may continue oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications for a prolonged period of time. Warm compresses may also be continued. Continue to avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position.

 

Return to our main Healthy Living and Fitness page