Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the vein. Although the clot can occur anywhere in the body, it is more common in the calf. It is important to recognize the deep vein thrombosis early warning symptoms and treat this disorder as early as possible. This is because, if ignored, it can lead to pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition. Pulmonary embolism occurs when the blood clot breaks off and travels via the blood to an artery in the lung and causes a blockage.

In most cases, DVT is treated with prescribed medications such as blood thinners. These prevent the formation of clots in the blood.

It is possible to have the condition without any prominent signs, making it hard to diagnose. However, some people experience the following early warning symptoms of DVT:

• A cramping pain that usually begins in the calf muscle area
• Swelling in the leg, ankle or foot, typically on one side
• Severe pain in the foot or ankle
• A patch of skin that turns reddish or bluish in color
• A patch of skin that feels warmer in comparison to the surrounding area

Deep vein thrombosis prevention tips
General tips

• Exercise regularly: Swimming, bicycling, walking, etc. are all great forms of exercise that you can indulge in. Try to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. This will also help to keep your weight in check, which is extremely important for preventing DVT. Apart from this, you must consume a high-fiber and low-fat diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables.
• Quit smoking: If you experience any DVT early warning symptoms, you must quit smoking immediately to prevent the condition from getting worse. Nicotine patches, sprays, gums or even prescription drugs can be helpful in quitting.
• Monitor your blood pressure: It is advisable to monitor your blood pressure to keep the condition under control. You can talk to your doctor and seek their advice on knowing how often you need to check it.

Preventing deep vein thrombosis while traveling
The risk of developing DVT is slightly higher while traveling, as you end up sitting for a long period of time and it becomes difficult to stick to an exercise schedule. Here are some tips to help prevent DVT while traveling.

• Avoid crossing the legs while sitting
• Move around as often as possible
• Avoid donning tight clothes that restrict the flow of blood
• Stretch the legs and feet while sitting
• Consume as much water as you can
• Avoid alcohol consumption before and during your travel

Preventing deep vein thrombosis when pregnant
Pregnancy increases the risk of DVT due to hormonal changes that take place in the body. Here are some tips an individual can follow to prevent the likelihood of developing the condition.

• Stay active and hydrated
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Get up and walk around from time to time.
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Indulge in low-impact exercises
• Wear compression socks

If you experience any DVT early warning symptoms, you must consult your doctor immediately. This will help to reduce the risks associated with it.