Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when there are blood clots in the veins deep inside the body. The clots usually develop in the thigh, lower leg, or pelvis. However, they may also develop in other body parts, such as the brain, arm, liver, intestines, or kidney. DVT can occur due to underlying medical conditions, long periods of inactivity, and other reasons.

Not all cases of DVT need treatment. However, there are several options for treating DVT. Doctors can prescribe medicines like anticoagulants to thin the blood as a method of treatment. However, along with medications following specific lifestyle tips to manage DVT can be beneficial. One can find six such lifestyle tips below:

Exercise regularly
Routine physical activity is one of the effective ways to manage DVT. Unless the doctor recommends against it, regular activities, including walking or swimming, stimulate the blood flow in the lower leg muscles. Regular exercise also helps one in maintaining a healthy weight and release pressure in the veins of the legs and pelvis. Staying active prevents swelling and reduces one’s chances of further blood clots.

Make dietary modifications
If the doctor has already prescribed blood-thinning medicines, one may have to make some dietary changes so that the drugs work accordingly. One should be more careful about the amount of salt and sugar or vitamin K that are consumed via various foods and leafy vegetables like spinach, sprouts, kale, mustard greens, or green tea.

Stop smoking
Smoking affects blood circulation and clotting. Therefore, quit this habit to avoid the occurrence of DVT.

Take breaks
Try to take scheduled breaks to stretch the legs and feet while working on a desk or sitting somewhere for a long duration. When one has no choice, they may occasionally move their feet and calf muscles by doing various exercises. While sitting, one may lift their toes and make circles in the air. One may also do a heel-toe exercise by raising the toes and heels in the air and putting them down on the ground alternatively.

Wear loose-fitting clothes and stay hydrated
While traveling, try to wear loose-fitting clothes and drink plenty of water so that blood circulation is not restricted. Try to avoid long-distance trips. If not possible, try to travel by car and halt every hour to stretch the legs. For flight and train journeys, try to have a little walk up and down the aisle from time to time.

Wear compression stockings
To manage DVT, one may wear special tight-fitted compression stockings below the knee to reduce the swelling or forming any clots in the legs. The gentle pressure created by the stockings can relieve the pain on the spot of a clot.

Along with following the medicine course provided by the doctor, one may adopt these lifestyle tips to manage DVT. These can reduce the chances of the condition getting worse.