Blood clots may form in the blood vessels of the leg, causing pain, redness, swelling and warmth. The treatment of clots in the superficial veins are usually treated successfully with self-care measures.
Deep vein thrombosis, on the other hand, are more dangerous because the clot can break off and travel to the lung, a potentially fatal situation. Arterial blood clots that break off can travel to the brain or the heart. These blood clots require treatment with medications called anticoagulants and possibly surgical measures. Prevention of future clots includes the use of compression stockings and medication.
Superficial blood clots in the legs cause pain and inflammation in a vein just below the skin. The health care provider usually recommends self-care at home that is aimed at relief of the symptoms. Self-care measures include warm soaks or compresses to relieve pain and inflammation and elevating the leg to reduce swelling, according to MayoClinic.com. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications also help to reduce pain and inflammation. The condition usually improves within one or two weeks.
Anticoagulants
For blood clots in the deep veins of the legs, heparin---an anticoagulant or blood thinner---is used to prevent the clot from enlarging. Heparin can be given intravenously or by injection. Many patients are prescribed warfarin as well, an anticoagulant given by mouth that is normally taken for at least three months and sometimes for life, to reduce the risk of future clots.
Blood thinners cannot break up a blood clot that has already formed; the body dissolves most of them over time, according to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute.
Filter
Patients who are unable to take blood thinners may require insertion of a filter in the vena cava, the primary vein in the abdomen, to prevent clots from traveling from the leg to the lungs, according to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. This will not prevent new clots from forming, however.
Compression Stockings
Stockings that are tight at the ankle and become looser as they go up the leg create gentle pressure that keeps blood from pooling and clotting in the leg, according to the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. Support pantyhose, over-the-counter compression hose and prescription-strength compression hose provide varying degrees of support. The prescription-strength hose provide the most compression, but are expensive and must be fitted professionally.
Varicose Vein Stripping
Varicose vein stripping, an outpatient surgery procedure, removes veins that cause pain or superficial blood clots. The patient's circulation is not affected because deeper veins in the leg take over blood circulation.
