Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment at Home

Introduction

The blood inside our body is free-flowing. It travels through our blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) to supply oxygen and nutrients to every corner of our body. Apart from this, cells in the blood actively work to protect you from physical harm as well, by forming blood clots when needed. These clots can also be formed abnormally if there is a problem in the blood flow or due to underlying medical conditions.

When these clots are formed in the deep veins of your body, the condition is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which could be potentially harmful or even fatal. This condition occurs mostly in your pelvis (hip) region, calves or thighs, but with timely diagnosis and a treatment plan recommended by your doctor, including home-based care, it can be managed effectively. Read on to learn more about DVT treatment at home so you can get a better understanding about the condition.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The blood moves through all parts of our body. When it moves through our legs, sometimes it slows down and clots (thrombus formation) in the deep veins of our body. This is called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or venous thrombus.

In some cases, these clots are harmless. They can be mildly painful but may not be life-threatening. However, if the clot remains in place for too long, it can damage the vein and disrupt normal blood flow.

In other cases, when these clots break up, they form clumps and travel through the veins to other parts of the body. These clumps could either block the narrow veins or travel along with the bloodstream. By doing so, they may even cause fatal complications in the parts where they accumulate. One such rare but serious complication is called pulmonary embolism, where clusters of the travelling venous thrombus restrict the blood flow to the lungs¹.

It is because of these risks, it’s critical to start DVT treatment even at the first signs like swelling, warmth, or pain in the legs. Following your doctor’s guidance and beginning deep vein thrombosis treatment at home can help prevent complications and get better outcomes.

How Common is Venous Thrombosis?

Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT was generally considered a rarity among Asians compared to Caucasians. Though studies regarding the prevalence are sparse, a handful of studies show that there is a 3.7% – 17% prevalence of DVT among Indians.

However, upon recent revelations, DVT is believed to be undertreated and even underdiagnosed in many cases in India, even on par with several Western countries². 

The study⁹ states that DVT complications lead to more deaths than accidents in the USA. Contrarily, in India, not only is the DVT diagnosis poor, but the testing for deep vein thrombosis is made difficult by symptoms that are clinically silent among the DVT patients.

To Summarize

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Venous Thrombosis is the result of the formation of blood clots in the veins.
• This condition is most prevalent in the lower body, especially the thighs, calves and hip region (pelvis).
• Upon detecting the early stage DVT symptoms in the legs, the severity of the condition can be controlled through medication and even by following doctor prescribed deep vein thrombosis home treatment.

Causes of Deep Vein Thrombosis

While DVT starts to appear in your legs or body, it can be disheartening to start the treatment for thrombosis. However, understanding the causes beforehand can be key in preventing DVT through medication or better yet, deep vein thrombosis home treatment.

While it has been declared that slow blood flow and clotting can lead to early-stage DVT in the leg, there are several other causes to look out for and manage from the beginning itself.

Main Causes of DVT to Watch for

• Vein damage from surgery

Complications from surgery could lead to post-surgery blood clots, which in turn could become DVT complications. However, the bigger risk is the inactivity that follows the surgery, which could lead to slower blood flow and clotting.

• Trauma or injury

It is usually recommended to start a DVT diagnosis as soon as you face a recent trauma or injury. This is because an injury is generally followed by inactivity that you need to recover post-injury. 

• Inflammation of the vein due to infection

When there is an injury or infection to the vein, look out for symptoms of DVT in the leg. This is because blood forms clots as a protective mechanism against the infection. These clots could then develop into DVT, which would require medication or deep vein thrombosis home treatment.

Other Causes to Be Aware of

• Old age: Although DVT can form at any age, being older than 60 increases the risk of the disorder.
• Sitting for long periods: Idleness causes blood to slow down due to inactivity, thereby forming clots that could lead to DVT. Therefore, it’s advisable to move around when you’re at your desk for long periods or on a long plane, to reduce any blood clotting leg symptoms. This is why correct sitting postures matter.
• Injury or surgery: Because of the lack of muscle movement while taking prolonged bed rest after surgery, blood clots could start to form.
• Pregnancy with a history of clotting disorders: Pregnancy can add pressure to the pelvis and knees in general. If there are women with the inherited risk of a clotting disorder, they must be diagnosed and begin DVT treatment in pregnancy³.
• Oral contraceptives: or hormone replacement therapy can inhibit the blood’s clotting ability as it is high in estrogen, which causes your blood to clot faster. In this case, they must simultaneously begin medication or deep vein thrombosis treatment at home.
• Obesity: It is much like the need for DVT treatment in pregnancy. Being obese also adds pressure to the pelvis and legs. Obesity could also lead to several risks, such as diabetes, which causes inflammation, thereby increasing your risk of DVT³.
• Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking could cause damage to the blood vessel walls, which often leads to clumping of blood flow, thereby forming clots³.
• Certain cancers: Pancreatic or lung cancer, could cause tissue damage, which in turn leads to clotting of the blood and the emergence of deep vein thrombosis symptoms.
• History of heart failure or pulmonary embolism: Any family history of either of these conditions can increase the risk, thereby needing immediate deep vein thrombosis diagnosis.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease: IBD causes inflammation in the gut, leading to blood clots. This can also be caused by certain medications taken for IBD.
• Genetic factors: Some studies¹⁰ state that genetic factors can cause up to 60% of cases of DVT. This is because the Factor V Leiden (a mutant in the blood) can cause abnormal clotting of blood.
• Clotting disorders: The Hypercoagulable state is a clotting disorder that leads to frequent, unnecessary clotting during normal blood flow. Conditions like Antiphospholipid syndrome, high platelet count, Lupus, etc., add to the risks³.

To Summarize

• In order to start the deep vein thrombosis diagnosis, you must be aware of the possible causes so as to take precautionary steps to avoid the development of DVT.
• The main causes of DVT are blood clotting caused by vein damage, long term inactivity after surgery and injury.
• Other causes to watch out for are pregnancy, especially with a history of clotting disorders, inactivity from accidents, and obesity. 
• The risk for DVT increases for those above the age of 60, smokers and those with certain types of lung or pancreatic cancers.

Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis treatment at home, when done alongside prescribed medication, is possible and manageable. However, in order to start the treatment process, you need to detect the DVT signs and symptoms in their earlier stages.

• Swelling in the affected leg: This is caused by inflammation or clotting of blood. This may not just happen gradually but suddenly as well. When you experience these early-stage DVT symptoms in the legs, you can start medical consultation and deep vein thrombosis home treatment⁴. 
• DVT leg pain: Sudden pangs of cramping or soreness in your leg could be caused by inflammation or vein infection, which you may feel around your calves before you experience the DVT leg pain in the rest of your leg⁴.
• Noticeable changes in the skin on the affected leg: The blood clotting leg symptoms show up in evident ways, beyond DVT leg pain. You can usually notice redness or discolouration of the skin on the leg, which indicates symptoms of DVT on the leg⁴.
• Warm feeling in the affected area: The warmth of the skin, especially in an affected leg, is a symptom of blood clotting⁴.

Warning Signs that Require Urgent Medical Attention

 You should seek medical care immediately when DVT leads to a pulmonary embolism – a condition affecting your lungs. Here are the warning signs you may come across:

• Sudden breathlessness
• Chest pain
• Pain or discomfort while coughing or breathing
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Elevated pulse rate
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• Coughing up or vomiting blood

Upon any noticeable symptoms given above, ensure that you contact your doctor immediately before trying deep vein thrombosis treatment at home or any DVT natural treatments.

DVT Complications If Left Untreated

DVT complications are harder to manage when left untreated, even after noticing the symptoms of DVT in the leg or other parts of your body. Here is how the condition could escalate if untreated:

• Pulmonary embolism: PE is a condition where the blood vessels in the lungs are blocked or damaged. This is usually caused by the blood clots formed in the legs that travel through the circulatory system to the lungs, causing a life-threatening condition of PE. Start by actively taking doctor-prescribed medications for DVT and don’t just rely on deep vein thrombosis home remedies while maintaining lung health to stay in the clear.
• Haemorrhage: An internal or external loss of blood from the blood vessels is called a haemorrhage. This is usually a side effect of blood thinners or accidents and injuries, and is often not evidently visible. While undertaking DVT pain management measures, get diagnosed for any haemorrhages that may otherwise go undetected. 
• Postphlebitic syndrome: Chronic Venous Insufficiency is a condition where the blood circulation or venous return is limited. When there is any clotting in the legs or pelvis due to any deep vein thrombosis symptoms, the muscles that are meant to contract and continue the circulation of blood to the rest of the body are limited.

In order to avoid or reduce the complications that arise from thrombosis, preventing DVT through proactive diagnosis, medication and deep vein thrombosis home treatment are necessary.

To Summarize

• Any immediate signs or symptoms of DVT would appear first on the legs in the form of swelling, pain or warmth of the skin.
• When you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention before it escalates to pulmonary embolism.
• If left untreated, DVT can cause worsening of your health by leading to conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, haemorrhage or most commonly, pulmonary embolism.

How DVT is Diagnosed

Deep vein thrombosis is a common condition found in several Western countries. Some studies¹¹ show that it is not as prevalent in India. Irrespective of how common the condition is, several medical treatments for thrombosis are available for you to try, along with the deep vein thrombosis home treatment.

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with DVT, there are careful procedures to help manage the condition. While there are experts to guide you through your exact needs, going into the treatment for thrombosis with as much information as possible can ease any anxiety and help you prepare better.

DVT Diagnosis in India Involves

• Complete Medical History: to get a comprehensive understanding of the possible causes, medical history, family history and potential complications of your condition, to suggest an effective DVT pain management treatment plan.
• Physical Examination: The doctor may check your leg for any swelling, clots or visible signs of vein damage and skin colour changes. They might also check your lung health to see if there are any signs of PE. 

You may be asked about any recent surgeries, noticeable clots or leg pain and additional medications you take. They might suggest ultrasound tests to get clarity on the blood clotting leg symptoms and their escalations.

• Blood Tests: The following blood tests may be administered during the DVT diagnosis:
  • D-dimer blood test – Usually used for the initial diagnosis of DVT. Blood is drawn from your arm and examined to rule out thrombus (irregular blood clots)⁵.
  • Coagulation profile – This test measures the right portions of coagulation factors (certain specific proteins) your blood should have. Any abnormalities could indicate a risk of DVT. 
  • Lupus anticoagulant – LA is generally indicative of a risk of excessive blood clot formation in your body.
  • APL antibodies – The antiphospholipid antibodies test diagnoses the body for the risk of any inappropriate clot formation in the body.

• Duplex Ultrasound: This is a scan to diagnose how well the blood in your body is flowing and whether there are any slowing or hindrances to the flow.
• Venography X-Ray: With the use of injections, this test is done to understand how well blood flows through your veins without clots or concerns⁵.
• MRI: This is usually used as an option for deep vein thrombosis diagnosis only for patients for whom ultrasounds may not be feasible or appropriate⁵.

Preparing for Your Diagnosis – What to Expect

• Depending on the type of diagnostic method used, you may need to prepare differently. Most blood tests for DVT do not require prior preparations. 
• In case of any testing on your legs or belly, it would be more comfortable for you to wear loose clothes.
• In the case of ultrasounds, you may be required to drink enough to have a full bladder 1 hour before the examination.

To Summarize

• There are several methods to get tested for DVT in India – blood tests, scans and even physical examinations.
• Though the doctor would inform you on what you need to prepare before testing for DVT, most standard procedures do not require any prior preparations from your end.
• It is important to take expert medical advice to supplement your deep vein thrombosis treatment at home.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment at Home

Medications and treatment for any condition could seem daunting. However, there are several deep vein thrombosis home remedies and changes you can begin with to take active steps towards managing the condition. Make sure to consult a doctor first and follow these deep vein thrombosis home remedies only after a doctor’s advice.

1. Medications

Blood thinners and thrombolytics are also called anticoagulants. They may not completely destroy the clots, but they can prevent the formation of new clots.

2. Wearing Compression Stockings

These are special preventative stockings created to fit around your calves and legs perfectly. They create pressure to push the blood flow up to the rest of your body, especially to your lungs and heart. This pressure is specifically made to prevent the blood from pooling and clotting around your calves.

Since these are stockings designed to add pressure, it is advisable to wear them as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you make any major movements. Putting on lotion before wearing the stockings also reduces skin irritation or friction.

3. Keep Your Legs Elevated

Keeping your legs in an elevated position while sitting or sleeping will help prevent the blood from pooling into a clot and allow the blood to flow to your lungs and heart.

4. Exercise

Idleness could speed up the risk of developing DVT. It is important to stay active by taking frequent walks every day to increase blood flow. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods – take scheduled breaks to stretch your legs and move them around. This is one of the most important DVT natural treatments you can take up.

This is specifically important if you are obese as well, as obesity is a risk factor for developing DVT.

5. DVT Diet

It is vital to make healthy dietary changes to keep DVT under control. A typical DVT diet should comprise of:

• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Cinnamon
• Cayenne
• Pepper
• Vitamin D3 deficiency is potentially dangerous. You can increase your Vitamin D3 levels naturally through foods such as egg yolks, fatty fish, mushrooms, etc.
• Omega 3 are healthy fats with numerous benefits. Consume Omega 3-rich foods such as fish, flax seeds, soya beans, walnuts, etc.
• Along with these steps to modify your DVT diet, make sure that you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to activate your blood circulation.

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking causes problems in blood circulation to your lungs and increases the risk of blood clotting as well. It is important that you quit the smoking habit to take control of DVT, along with other health concerns⁶.

7. Wear Loose Clothing

Especially when travelling long distances that involve sitting, so as to ensure your blood circulation is not cut off or clots are not formed easily.

8. Consult Your Doctor

Regarding oral contraceptives that contain oestrogen or any medication you’re taking, which may complicate the treatment of DVT.

To Summarize

• Deep vein thrombosis treatment at home involves a combination of dietary as well as lifestyle modifications.
• DVT home remedies include frequent movements, wearing loose clothes and including specific herbs such as turmeric, ginger and vitamins in your diet.
• It is important to supplement the DVT natural treatments with continuous consultation with your doctor.

Hear from Patients About Their Real-Life Journeys Managing Blood Clotting Disorders

It could feel alienating to experience DVT. However, you’re not alone. Here is a collection of stories from real experiences with deep vein thrombosis. These stories are aimed at helping you understand what it feels like to go through DVT and to realise that you have what it takes in preventing DVT and to bring it under control, just like these people did!

“In 2016, when I came home from a 9-hour journey, I suddenly felt uneasy and weak. My daughter asked whether I would need a glass of water but before she could bring me water, I started sweating heavily, tilted backwards and fainted. My daughter immediately called an ambulance and I was admitted to the emergency ward. Once there, I communicated to the healthcare team that I had previously had a blood clot, so I was tested for blood clots. The tests confirmed the presence of blood clots in my lungs.” – Beena

Since the diagnosis, Beena has been on anticoagulant medication for her pulmonary embolism. This is one of the most common DVT complications. Here are her suggestions on how she is coping with the condition:

• Be aware of your signs and symptoms – Complications from DVT can arise all of a sudden, so it’s better to be prepared by understanding the symptoms so that you can identify them and seek medical attention without any delay.
• Know your family history – Your doctor will actively look for this information to treat you, so keep all relevant information handy.
• Move your legs frequently during travels – Especially if you’re travelling longer than 4 hours.
• Don’t ignore the pain – If you experience any unusual pains in your leg or chest, do not ignore them, seek medical help immediately.

“I have been dealing with deep vein thrombosis for more than 50 years. I have it in both legs in the groin area. It was diagnosed with it after my lower back surgery. I worked as a manager of an electronic parts distribution company for over 28 years. I am now retired and have been for the past 22 years. I will be 82 years of age this coming October.“ – Jonah

Jonah states that he feels like he has never been inhibited by DVT to lead a relatively normal, fulfilling life. Here are a few ways he has kept the condition under control all these years:

• Diligently wearing compression stockings
• Exercising his legs daily
• Taking his medications without fail

“During my 7-day hospital stay, it was found that I have a genetic susceptibility to clotting, through some tests. I am homozygous for the Factor V Leiden mutation⁷. This condition and oral contraceptives must have likely been responsible for my clotting episode. Today, I take blood thinners and will mostly do so for the rest of my life. Luckily, I am doing well now. I feel extremely glad to have survived my clotting episode, and I seem to have the condition under control.” – Kishore

Takeaways from Kishore’s journey with DVT are:

• You can bring DVT under control through medications and natural treatments.
• It is important to understand your genetic predispositions in order to prepare for the severity of the condition.
• You can lead a healthy, satisfying life even when diagnosed with DVT.

“In October 2017, I was 29 and pregnant with my second child. During the eighth week, I had severe morning sickness and vomiting more than five times a day. Everything else seemed normal. However, one day, I experienced a dull pain on my right side near my rib cage. I thought it must be from having slept in an awkward position. But, as the day went on, the pain grew severe and my breathing became short and fast. I took a CT scan and the results showed multiple pulmonary blood clots in the lungs and right-sided pulmonary infarction, a condition where an artery to the lung gets blocked and part of the lung gets damaged. I had to stay in the hospital for 9 days.” – Manasa

Since the episode, Manasa was experiencing anxiety but has started feeling her “body start to heal”, as she looked back at the incident with gratitude for modern medicine and experienced doctors.

Based on her personal experience, here are a few tips for treating Deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy:

• Contact your doctor right away if you experience signs and symptoms of DVT. Now you know that pregnancy is a risk factor.
• Allow your loved ones to coordinate and take care of your medical needs till you regain your strength.
• Ask the medical staff any questions you might have.

DVT treatment in pregnancy can be nerve-racking. Keeping a sense of humour can get you through the anxiety of the incidents.

To Summarize

• You’re not alone in dealing with DVT and you have the support of experienced doctors, advanced medications and the experiences of others to get through your condition.
• Being familiar with your family’s and your own medical history can help you react faster when you experience any sudden symptoms of DVT.
• Leading an active lifestyle and taking your medications regularly can drastically improve control over DVT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Kamerkar DR, John MJ, Desai SC, Dsilva LC, Joglekar SJ. Arrive: A retrospective registry of Indian patients with venous thromboembolism. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine. 2016 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27076726/ 
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7. Factor V Leiden mutation. PubMed. 2025 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521223/ 
8. Lin T, Mao H, Jin Y. Caffeinated beverages intake and risk of deep vein thrombosis: A Mendelian randomization study. PLoS ONE. 2024 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10863885/ 
9. Agarwal S, Lee A, Raju R, Stephen E. Venous thromboembolism: A problem in the Indian/Asian population? Indian Journal of Urology. 2009 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2684304/ 
10. Albagoush SA, Koya S, Chakraborty RK, Schmidt AE. Factor V Leiden mutation. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. 2023 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534802/ 
11. NAMS task force report on venous thromboembolism. National Academy of Medical Sciences (India). 2024 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://nams-india.in/anams/2024/NAMS%20task%20force%20report%20on%20Venous%20thro 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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