Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that occurs in a deep vein, such as the femoral which is located in your upper leg. When you are inactive, blood can collect in your legs, which may increase your risk for developing a DVT. Exercises, including cardiovascular and flexibility, may help to decrease your risk for a DVT.
Cardiovascular
Prevent DVT recommends 30 minutes of low impact activity daily to reduce your risk of developing a DVT. Although all types of cardiovascular exercises will increase your heart rate and encourage blood circulation, exercises that use your legs will increase the flow of blood back to the heart. Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, bicycling, skating and jogging promote blood flow and may help to reduce blood clotting in your legs.
Travel
Airplane trips of over four hours increase your risk for developing a DVT. During flights, you can reduce this risk by exercising your legs. This may be as simple as rotating your ankles, or doing heel raises. The goal with these exercises is to return blood to the heart, which can also be accomplished by walking up and down the aisle once or twice every hour.
Stretching
If you are on a long trip, whether in a car or plane, seated flexibility exercises will encourage circulation and reduce your risk for a DVT. IDEA Health and Fitness recommends a figure four stretch. To do this stretch, place your right foot on your left thigh and gently press down on your right thigh until you feel a stretch in your hips.
Standing
If you find yourself standing for an extended period of time, such as waiting in line, you can practice simple exercises to promote circulation. When standing with your feet hip distance apart, you can alternately lift your heels and toes. You may also want to try marching in place to increase your heart rate and return the blood flow to the heart.
