Deep Vein Thrombosis

Home treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) focuses on:

• Taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) safely.
• Relieving symptoms.
• Wearing compression stockings.

Taking anticoagulants safely

If you take an anticoagulant medicine, also called a blood thinner, you need to take extra steps to avoid bleeding problems. These steps include:

• Preventing falls and injuries.
• Telling your doctors about all other medicines, supplements, and vitamins that you take.
• Getting regular blood tests, if your doctor tells you to.

For more information, see:

Reference Reference Warfarin: Taking Your Medicine Safely.

Reference Reference Blood Thinners Other Than Warfarin: Taking Them Safely.

Relieving symptoms

To relieve symptoms like pain and swelling, your doctor might recommend:

• Walking 5 or 6 times a day, if possible.
• Elevating your leg.

If you are not taking an anticoagulant, your doctor might suggest that you take a Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Opens New Window (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain. Do not take an NSAID unless your doctor tells you that it's safe for you.

Wearing compression stockings

Reference Compression stockings are specially fitted stockings that are designed to treat or help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Reference Reference Compression Stockings: How to Use Them

If you have had deep vein thrombosis, these stockings might help:

• Prevent a complication called Reference post-thrombotic syndrome Opens New Window.
• Relieve symptoms like pain and swelling.

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