Deep vein thrombosis -- DVT-- is caused by a blood clot that forms in a vein. A blood clot can slow or even block blood flow in your vein which can cause pain and swelling. The blood clot can also travel thought the bloodstream to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. This can be a serious condition characterized by shortness of breath, pain and coughing up blood. Pulmonary embolism can be fatal.
Causes of DVT
Blood clots can form due to several reasons. DVT can occur when damage occurs to your veins as a result of surgery, injury, inflammation or as an immune response. A blood clot can also form if your blood flow is slow in your veins due to a lack of motion such as during long travel. In addition, certain inherited conditions, hormone therapy or use of birth control pills can make your blood thicker, which can increase the risk of clotting.
Arm Exercises
If you are traveling or are bed-bound for long periods of time, you can increase the blood flow and prevent blood clots forming in your arms with few simple and easy exercises. Exercise your upper arms by raising your right arm in front of you. From a 90-degree angle by bending your elbow so that your upper arm is parallel to the floor and your forearm is pointing upward. Contract your biceps and triceps muscles as hard as you can. Hold this for five to 10 seconds, release and repeat five to 10 times and then switch arms. Next exercise your forearms by grasping a tennis ball or other object. Squeeze the ball as hard as you can for five to 10 seconds. Repeat with both arms. If you had an injury or surgery in your arms, consult with your doctor on how to prevent DVT and the type of arm exercises you can do.
Other Exercises
The Heart, Lung and Blood Institute also reports that DVT occurs more commonly in the veins of your legs and thighs. In addition to arm exercises, do leg exercises as well to prevent blood clots forming in your lower body and traveling to your arms or other parts of your body. Contract the muscles in your buttocks, thighs and lower legs and hold this for five to 10 seconds. If you are sitting, pump your legs by thrusting your knees upward while raising to your tiptoes. Hold for five to 10 seconds and return your heels on the floor. In addition lift your knees toward your chest, hold for few seconds and lower. Repeat these exercises regularly while traveling, sitting or lying down for extended periods of time.
Travel Tips
Since long periods of sitting and lack of movement can increase your risk of DVT, it is also recommended you take some preventive measures. Besides doing arm and leg exercises, get up and walk up and down the aisles in a plane, bus or train. If you are travelling in a car, stop every few hours and walk around and stretch your arms, legs and torso. Raise up on your toes and stretch your arms to the air. Stretch as high as you can to encourage blood flow in your veins. Also wear comfortable and loose clothing while traveling and drink plenty of fluids.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor if you have underlying conditions or medications that can increase your risk of DVT, especially if you are traveling and spending long periods of time sitting in place. If you are recovering from a surgery and will be travelling, consult your health care provider on how to avoid formation of blood clots.
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