Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots form in the large, deep veins in your body, most commonly in the legs. Being inactive for a long period of time -- for example, due to an injury or during a long flight -- is one of the major risk factors for DVT because it causes blood to pool in the lower part of your body. However, exercises that promote circulation to your legs can help prevent clots from forming.
Walking
According to Stuart T. Haines, Pharm.D., BCPS, on the ClotCare website, regular walks are a common treatment and prevention method for DVT. If you are recovering from a DVT, try to go for short walks five or six times a day and, if you are traveling, you can help prevent the condition by walking up and down the aisle of the bus, train or plane about every 20 minutes.
Calf Raises and Knee Bends
Stand up tall with your feet hip-width apart and slowly rise up on your toes. Keep extending up through your spine as you lift and also as you lower your heels down to the ground. Once your feet are firmly back on the floor, slowly bend your knees until they are in line with the tips of your toes. Make sure your back stays straight, your heels stay on the floor and your feet don't roll inward as you perform this movement. Return to the starting position and repeat the whole exercise 10 times.
Toe and Heel Presses
Sit up tall with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at right angles. Lift your right heel off the floor and press the toes and ball of the foot into the floor. Keep pressing for about five seconds then lift your toes and press the right heel into the floor. Hold for another five seconds then repeat on the left foot. You can also try this exercise with your knees bent slightly beyond 90 degrees.
Foot Circles
You can do this exercise sitting or standing, depending on how good your balance is. If sitting, place a pillow under the knee of the leg you're working. Lift the foot slightly off the ground and circle it 10 times in both directions. Make the circles as wide as you can and repeat on the opposite leg.
Other Prevention Measures
As well as doing regular leg exercises, you can also help prevent DVT by quitting smoking and losing weight if you're overweight, advises the Mayo Clinic. Both of these conditions increase blood pressure, reduce circulation and cause blood to clot more easily. On long journeys, drink plenty of water and limit your alcohol intake to ensure you stay well hydrated -- which helps circulation -- and avoid taking sleeping tablets, which stop you from moving around.
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