Prevention

If you have a history of blood-clotting problems or if you're in a high-risk group, seek medical advice before going on a trip. To prevent clots, some doctors prescribe aspirin or blood-thinning agents, such as warfarin.

Taking an exercise break for every hour of travel also helps keep blood flowing. If you're travelling by car, get out and stretch your legs frequently. If you are taking a long plane flight, don't just sit in your seat for all of the time: wriggle your toes and flex your ankles to keep your circulation going, and walk up and down the aisle when you can. Booking an aisle seat will make it easier to get up and walk around a plane or train. During flight stop-overs, it's better to walk around the airport than to sit. Besides walking, try flexing and extending the ankles regularly.

To reduce risk of blood clots, avoid smoking.

In order to prevent deep vein thrombosis, try to avoid prolonged bed rest if possible. If medical conditions or conditions related to pregnancy require you to be confined to bed, be sure to keep your lower limbs moving on a regular basis. Regular exercise is important too.

If you are going to have surgery for another condition and there is a risk of getting a DVT, you may be given anti-coagulants before surgery. Also you may be given special bags to put over your legs to help prevent DVT after surgery.

Once you have been treated successfully for DVT, you can help prevent further clots from forming by following these measures:

• avoid knee socks or hosiery that might limit blood flow through the leg,
• don't cross ankles or legs while sitting or lying,
• raise the foot of your bed to lift the legs at night,
• keep your feet higher than your hips while sitting,
• avoid prolonged sitting or standing in one position,
• while resting keep moving your legs, and bending your ankles and toes.