As long as you don't overwork yourself, exercising with DVT can actually lessen the risk of health complications associated with the condition.
DON'T stand or sit in one spot for a long time. DON'T wear clothing that restricts blood flow in your legs. DON'T smoke. DON'T participate in contact sports when taking blood thinners because you're at risk of bleeding from trauma.
And wear your bracelet or carry your blood thinner card in case of an injury. Low-impact activities such as walking, biking, yoga, Pilates and strength training are all fine. But if you enjoy higher-risk sports, ask your doctor if they're safe for you, the NBCA advises.
It is important to start treatment right away for DVT. It takes about 3 to 6 months for a blood clot to go away.
Running, walking, stationary biking are safe to enjoy.
Even outside biking is safe as long as you use the protective equipments to prevent damage to the skin or bone fracture.
The Importance of Exercise if You Have DVT
Studies show that exercise also can improve symptoms of DVT, including swelling, discomfort, and redness. Physical activity can also make you feel more energized. If you have DVT, being active is especially important for your legs. That's where blood clots usually form.
Ways to prevent clots
Exercise at least 15 to 30 minutes daily, maintain a healthy diet, aim for weight loss if needed, and drink plenty of water. Take mini breaks from your desk job or the couch to move.
Regular exercise can also help in breaking down existing blood clots. Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and swimming are recommended as they are less strenuous on the body.
While a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening, most patients survive DVT and need to learn how to live with the risk of recurrence. Your healthcare provider will probably prescribe anticoagulants, or blood thinners, which may be needed for as little as three months but can be lifelong treatment.
Because you are taking a blood thinner, you should try not to hurt yourself and cause bleeding. You need to be careful when you use knives, scissors, razors, or any sharp object that can make you bleed. You also need to avoid activities and sports that could cause injury. Swimming and walking are safe activities.
The better your circulation is, the lower your chance of blood pooling up and clotting. Clotting is often caused by long periods of inactivity, so practicing a regular exercise routine can help you reduce your risk of clots and other conditions related to blood clots, such as diabetes and obesity.
While many blood clots dissolve with the help of blood thinners, some dangerous clots require fast-acting clot-busting medications called thrombolytics. Because thrombolytics can cause severe bleeding, doctors usually give them only to people with large, severe clots that increase risk of pulmonary embolism.
Anticoagulants are a group of medications that decrease your blood's ability to clot. They do that by letting your body break down existing clots or by preventing new clots from forming.
It's also worth mentioning that the most common symptom after a blood clot is exhaustion and fatigue. So, be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. For the first couple of months, you might not feel like yourself; you might feel like resting is all you can do, and that's okay because that's part of this disease.
Elevate your legs above the level of your heart.
Elevate your legs when you sit or lie down, as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your legs on pillows or blankets to keep them elevated comfortably.
As the clot gets worse, you may feel a sensation ranging from a dull ache to intense pain. The pain may throb in your leg, belly, or even arm.
Coffee consumption can also alter the effects of blood thinners; as caffeine can inhibit the metabolism of warfarin (NCBI). Also, some juices like cranberry juice, green tea and grapefruit juice can deactivate an enzyme that normally breaks down warfarin, causing an unusual amount of bleeding (NY TImes).
You can have recurrent DVT while on anticoagulation, but your chances go way down.
Blood thinners or anticoagulants are the most common treatment for a blood clot in the lung. It is important to note that blood thinners won't dissolve blood clots. In most cases, the hope is your body will eventually dissolve the clot on its own.