Reducing The Risk Of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Since long periods of inactivity put you at greatest risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a blood clot is to move around whenever possible.

If you are going to be sitting down for several hours, try to get up and walk around every 1 or 2 hours. This will get your leg muscles working, and help to increase your circulation.

In addition to walking, if you are able to lift your knees up, squat down or simply walk up some stairs, you will increase your circulation even more.

Using Leg Exercises To Combat Deep Vein Thrombosis

Many times it is not always possible to get up and walk around. If you are unable to move from your location, leg exercises can be used to increase your circulation and decrease your risk of developing a blood clot.

However it should be noted that leg exercises will not be as effective as physically getting up and walking around.

Leg exercises are extremely simple to do. You can start by squeezing and relaxing your toes, doing this at least 10 times.

Next move onto your feet, by pressing them forward as if you were pushing a car pedal. After doing this at least 10 times, move your feet around in a circular motion, first clockwise and then anticlockwise.

If space permits, extend your leg out in front of you, extending forward from the knee joint. If you are unable to extend forward, try to raising your knees up one leg at a time, as if you were marching whilst sitting down.

Finally tense all the muscles in your legs as tightly as possible, and hold for a count of 5. Then relax. Repeat this process several times.

All of these exercises will help to improve blood circulation by activating the leg muscles.

What To Do If You Can’t Move At All?

If you are driving a car, or operating machinery that prevents you from doing the leg exercises, then the first and most valuable precaution you can take is to ensure that you get a break at least every 2-3 hours.

During this time you should walk as much as possible, although if time is limited you can do some quick leg exercises to get your circulation going. One of the most effective exercises is standing squats.

To do these, extend your arms in front of you and imagine you are sitting on a chair, then stand back up again. After 10 repetitions you should feel your heart rate increase.

In addition to this you could also do some knee raises, whereby you lift your knees up towards your chest.

Clothing And Deep Vein Thrombosis

Avoid wearing tight clothing when you know you will be unable to move around freely. Tight clothing, especially on the legs, can make it harder for blood to flow around the body.

Wearing loose clothing is especially important if you are at high altitudes, such as on a plane. This is because the pressure at high altitudes can cause your body to expand slightly, so wearing loose clothing will prevent you from restricting blood circulation.

However there is one exception to this, graduated travel compression socks that exert a mild pressure on the legs. Studies have shown these to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis

Supplements And Drugs

Aspirin can be used to thin the blood, thereby reducing the risk of it clotting. Take ½ an aspirin several days before your journey for best results. However before taking any drugs, you should always speak with your doctor first.

Supplements which can be used to thin your blood include gingko biloba, omega-3 fish oils and vitamin E.

When taking any supplement or drug to thin your blood before travelling, or when you are going to be immobile for long periods, it is also recommended that you do not eat sugary or fatty foods beforehand, or are dehydrated.