{"id":2215,"date":"2019-01-03T05:55:50","date_gmt":"2019-01-03T05:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/?p=2215"},"modified":"2021-07-20T17:29:10","modified_gmt":"2021-07-20T17:29:10","slug":"12-home-remedies-to-treat-a-blood-clot-in-your-leg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veryhealthy.life\/12-home-remedies-to-treat-a-blood-clot-in-your-leg\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Home Remedies to Treat a Blood Clot in Your Leg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


Deep vein thrombosis, also known as DVT, is a very real medical problem that affects an estimated 900, 000 people every year; about half of those cases are asymptomatic, and the other half can manifest with symptoms which include swelling and redness, cramps in the calves and an inexplicable rash. Deep vein thrombosis is also known as venous thromboembolism (VTE) or venothrombosis \u2013 know the medical terms when it comes to your potential condition!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all of the symptoms are obvious, but you\u2019ll be glad to know that there are plenty of preventative measures for DVT. Could you spot the symptoms of deep vein thrombosis when it happens to you or somebody you know? Just a small few small changes to your daily routine and lifestyle could put you at a higher risk for developing blood clots. Here are twelve home remedies to treat deep vein thrombosis if it were to happen to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Spotting a blood clot \u2013 the symptoms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, you have to know the symptoms of a blood clot<\/a> so you can recognize the condition if it were to happen to you or someone close to you. The most common symptoms experienced by patients are cramps, throbbing or pain, usually occurring in the calves \u2013 and usually worsening with activities such as standing or walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are other symptoms to watch out for too, like redness or a persistent tingling feeling. It\u2019s worth mentioning that the pain associated with blood clots in the legs usually occurs only in one leg. Less common, though equally important symptoms to remember include a rash \u2013 and symptoms like lightheadedness, chest pain, and chest tightness can also happen when the blood clot in the leg becomes dislodged and heads for the lungs. This is when you can\u2019t do without medical attention. Sometimes symptoms of a blood clot are less obvious, and approximately half of cases experience no symptoms at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Prevention is the first cure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prevention is much better than cure \u2013 and it\u2019s something you can do at home. It\u2019s much more than just another clich\u00e9! The first steps to preventing blood clots from forming are to have a routine of regular exercise<\/a>. You should also get up and stretch your legs at least once every fifteen to twenty minutes if you plan on sitting in one place for a long time: This literally gets the blood in your legs flowing again and stops blood clots right in their tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also follow a healthy, natural diet to prevent the forming of blood clots \u2013 and to make sure that your body is happy. : You should have as little artificial foods as possible in your overall diet \u2013 if you stay natural, you can stay healthy. Going tor regular check-ups is another way to prevent health issues, just in case you fall under approximately half of the DVT cases that present completely asymptomatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Stopping them from forming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can stop blood clots from forming before they do. The first step to it if you are a potential risk for deep vein thrombosis<\/a> is to stay active \u2013 exercise regularly, though in moderation: Blood clots form when the blood thickens and forms a clot \u2013 think of it like a cork in a champagne bottle; when the cork pops, the clot (i.e. the cork) can make its way through your body and end up in your lungs, heart or brain \u2013 and all of those are likely to be fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never stagnate. Frequent travelers, who are more often than not stuck with their legs in the same position for several hours at a time are at an especially high risk for developing blood clots in their legs; the same is true for anyone who sits still for too long, whether you\u2019re a writer, gamer or office worker. Always remember to stretch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Ayurvedic remedies for blood clotting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ayurvedic medicine<\/a> is an ancient form of natural healing originating from India; mankind has come an exceptionally long way with Ayurvedic traditions and remedies, and thousands of people still absolutely swear by them. Some Ayurvedic remedies against blood clotting include garlic, ginger, and Ginkgo Biloba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These treatments for overall blood thinning is still in the process of being scientifically studied, but what science can tell us so far is firstly that garlic acts as an anticoagulant (or blood thinner) \u2013 and will strengthen the effect of medications which thin the blood. The same is true for ginger, and this has been studied (and proved!) by the University of Maryland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ginkgo biloba, on the other hand, usually comes in the form of supplements and can be bought over the counter \u2013 and has also been proven to act as a blood thinner, and could well strengthen the effect of blood-thinning medications taken alongside it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Following a healthy diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond including the Ayurveda in your overall diet, most people could also make a few alterations to their diet to prevent deep vein thrombosis from occurring. Foods that can prevent deep vein thrombosis include foods that are high in Vitamin E, which also acts as a blood thinner on its own; alcohol is also known as a potent blood thinner, and can be useful if in moderation \u2013 say, a glass of wine with dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain foods should be avoided, especially if you are already taking anticoagulant drugs like aspirin or warfarin. Foods high in Vitamin K<\/a> should generally be avoided if you are taking anticoagulant drugs \u2013 this includes spinach, chard, sprouts, kale; see a pattern there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leafy, green fruits and vegetables should generally be avoided on what\u2019s known as the Warfarin diet. (Also remember that the Warfarin diet applies not only to Warfarin but to other drugs as well \u2013 this is something you might want to check with your pharmacist, dietician or doctor beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Regular anticoagulant drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Antithrombotic drugs, also known as anticoagulants, are usually taken or prescribed to prevent thrombosis or clotting from occurring; some of these can be purchased over the counter (with an obvious recommendation from your doctor first!), such as aspirin and ibuprofen<\/a>. Others, like warfarin, often have to be taken with a prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you know that you are at a higher risk of developing blood clots, it\u2019s worth taking anticoagulant drugs as part of your daily regimen \u2013 usually half an aspirin in the morning. Again, double-check this with a medical professional first so you know it doesn\u2019t interact with medication you\u2019re already taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just what places you at a higher risk? A family history of deep vein thrombosis, a lesser level of physical activity, taking medication which instead thickens the blood; heart disease, and smoking will also put you at a higher potential risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and blood clots. Always be conscious of your health!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. More preventative measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

More preventative measures can be taken to prevent blood clots from occurring. Wearing tight-fitting clothing can increase your chances of developing a blood clot, so always stick to clothing that lets your skin breathe \u2013 if it\u2019s too tight, it\u2019s not doing your body any good. Remember that this also includes socks and shoes, not just obvious clothing like pants or tights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a history of blood clotting in your own medical history, your doctor might also prescribe you what\u2019s called compression stockings to improve circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. You can also do some yoga positions to raise your legs above your head once in a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This takes the pressure off your legs, and studies have shown that straightening your legs (as most people do) is in fact bad for your circulation! Speaking of yoga<\/a>, research has shown that regular yoga practice improves overall blood flow and even has a positive effect on your mental health in the long run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Notes on massage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Massaging the legs can and does improve overall circulation in the affected body part \u2013 and especially when your muscles are tired and aching, it just downright feels great. We would go ahead and recommend massage as part of your overall regimen \u2013 every now and again, it\u2019s good to get the blood flowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massaging improves circulation and breaks down lactic acid<\/a>, the cause behind muscle pain after an exercise session. But the same massage could be dangerous if you already have a blood clot you don\u2019t know about \u2013 and the results could even prove to be fatal. If you have an existing blood clot, massage \u2013 and especially deep tissue massage \u2013 is never recommended as a treatment: It could cause the blood clot to dislodge from its current position and make its way to your heart, leading to what\u2019s called an embolism. And that\u2019s where the real danger lies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Drinking plenty of water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that dehydration thickens the blood? People who become severely dehydrated are prone to symptoms that can range from fainting spells to headaches and nausea<\/a>. And by the time you feel that you\u2019re dehydrated and think, \u201cMan, I could really use a glass of water,\u201d your body has already dehydrated to the point where it is desperately in need of moisture. You should drink several glasses of water per day \u2013 sometimes eight, sometimes less; scientists are still trying to decide which.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When exercising, going for walks, or just trying to get yourself through a hot day, always make sure you have a supply of water within reach. You\u2019ll feel much better, and your body will thank you for it. Before you reach for the sugary drinks, keep in mind that sugar and salt both have a dehydrating effect on the body \u2013 and too much sugar and fat could also lead to developing high cholesterol, which puts you at a higher risk of\u2026 You guessed it, deep vein thrombosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that the water you drink is as pure as possible and free from any contaminants; sometimes this means avoiding tap water and going for bottled instead. Also, take care of your overall water intake \u2013 water is good for you, but too much water can lead to what\u2019s known as water toxicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Using a heating pad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The use of a heating pad is often recommended during the aftercare for deep vein thrombosis: This should help to minimize pain and swelling<\/a> associated with the condition \u2013 and offers some definite relief to patients. The heating pad helps to improve circulation in the affected area. If you don\u2019t have a heating pad nearby, a hot water bottle will suffice \u2013 just be careful that you don\u2019t warm up the area to the point where you burn your skin in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(This, by the way, is why a hot water bottle isn\u2019t called a boiling water bottle instead \u2013 yes, they can burst, melt and burn, so always be careful!) Heating pads can be purchased for fairly cheaply from your nearest drug store \u2013 and they\u2019re usually cheap and re-usable, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Elevating your legs \u2013 no, really!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lift your legs. No, really. It\u2019s recommended that you lift your legs above the level of your heart<\/a> once in a while, especially if you have a long period of sitting in one place behind you. This gets blood to flow from your legs, and takes some of the pressure off of your system \u2013 this can take care of swelling and pain associated with DVT, and it can also help other conditions associated with circulation issues at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vein Institute notes that straightening the legs, for example, while watching television, will be more likely to increase the pressure on your legs \u2013 and the work your heart and circulation system has to do to ensure that blood flows to and from your legs. It\u2019s much better to lift your legs slightly up above your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s highly recommended to lift your legs above your heart for short stretches, at least ten to fifteen minutes at a time, every once in a while. This is especially wonderful for your legs after a long, hard day of work. Basic, simple yoga positions \u2013 usually using something to support your legs such as a wall and something like a yoga mat under your back \u2013 can make this much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Herbs to combat clotting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The herbs<\/a> you make use of to flavor your food is as important as the food you prepare every day. So, you\u2019ll want to include some of these herbs in your diet \u2013 they\u2019re naturally known to decrease your risk of clotting, reduce inflammation in the body, and thin the blood \u2013 also helpful when you\u2019re a potential risk for deep vein thrombosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turmeric is a yellow spice often too rich dishes like curries and biryanis: It\u2019s known for powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and drinking turmeric tea has long been known as a natural remedy for all sorts of ailments \u2013 including arthritis. And, if you\u2019re at risk for blood clotting, you should be adding turmeric to your diet on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cayenne pepper is known for its spice, of course, but also for the good it can do for blood circulation and the heart. In fact, cayenne pepper has been studied for its effect to be able to half a heart attack in its tracks \u2013 and if you\u2019re experiencing chest pain, a small dosage of cayenne pepper will do you some good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon is derived from the bark, and cinnamon is \u2013 among other things \u2013 known for being a powerful anticoagulant. Whether you prefer it added to a savory dish or to something sweet, it\u2019s worth adding to your spice rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember: March is Blood Clot Awareness Month. Have you had your regular doctor\u2019s check-up yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\r\n

<\/div>