Elevation and Compression
In addition to the prescribed medications, your doctor may also recommend elevating the affected leg and wearing compression stockings to help reduce symptoms of deep vein thrombosis like swelling and pain.
Exercise Daily
Do regular exercise to lower your risk of blood clots and DVT. Moderate daily exercise helps improve blood circulation. It even helps fight obesity, one of the risk factors of DVT.
Instead of doing rigorous weight training, try to focus on walking and mild aerobic exercises.
Walk for 30 minutes or more, at least 5 times a week. Also, get up and walk around every 2 to 3 hours for 10 minutes.
Enjoy swimming, jogging, biking, and similar activities a few times a week.
Do simple foot and leg exercises for 15 minutes daily in the morning.
While sitting for a long period, exercise your legs frequently.
Consult your doctor to help prepare an exercise plan suitable for your condition
Ginger also plays a great role in treating DVT. A natural salicylate, it can block vitamin K and thin the blood. It also boosts blood circulation in arteries and veins. Plus, it helps prevent high cholesterol, which can cause plaque buildup and inhibit circulation.
In a 2013 study published in the Thrombosis Research journal, researchers found that ginger is an effective antiplatelet and COX-1 enzyme inhibitor.
Drink ginger tea 2 or 3 times a day. To make the tea, boil 1 tablespoon of sliced ginger in 2 cups of water and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain, add honey for taste and drink it.
Chew some fresh ginger slices or add dry or fresh ginger in your cooking.
Alternatively, you can take ginger tablets, but only after consulting your doctor.
Cayenne Pepper
This natural blood thinner also helps in the treatment of DVT. The compound capsaicin in cayenne pepper promotes blood circulation and helps prevent blood clots. It also strengthens the arteries and capillaries.
Cayenne pepper also normalizes blood pressure and reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In a glass of spinach juice, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and salt for taste. Drink it once or twice daily.
Include cayenne pepper in your cooking or take a supplement after consulting your doctor.
You can even apply a cayenne pepper-based cream or gel on the affected area to get rid of pain.