Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a condition that occurs when thrombosis or blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body. These clots are usually formed inside the legs. In some cases, the condition can occur without any symptoms. However, most are lead to swelling or pain in the legs. The treatment options for DVT usually focus on preventing the clot from growing, breaking loose, and preventing other clots from occurring.

DVT treatment options
All DVT treatment options work towards three main goals: preventing the clot from growing in size, preventing the clot from breaking loose and reaching the lungs, and preventing other DVT from occurring. Considering these, here are the treatment options for DVT that are prescribed.

1. Blood thinners
Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, are commonly used in the treatment of DVT. These medicines do not break or treat the existing blood clots. But they work by preventing the clots from getting bigger and preventing any more blood clots from forming. These thinners can be taken orally or administered through an injection or IV. Common blood thinners for DVT treatment are administered through an injection; these include enoxaparin and fondaparinux. Once a blood thinner is injected, the doctor can ask the patient to switch to a pill. Blood thinners that are taken orally include dabigatran and warfarin. 

2. Clot busters
Clot busters, also known as thrombolytics, are prescribed when a person has been diagnosed with a more severe kind of DVT, has a pulmonary embolism, or the other medications haven’t worked. These medications are administered either using an IV or through a catheter placed right into the clot. These drugs can cause heavy bleeding. Therefore, they are only used under the circumstances where the patient has developed serious blood clots.

3. Filters
If a patient cannot take blood thinners, they might have to get a filter inserted into their vena cava, the large vein in the abdomen. This filter in the vein prevents the blood clots from breaking loose and traveling to the lungs. Thus, preventing the condition from getting any severe.

4. Compression stockings
These are special stockings especially made to prevent any pooling or clotting of the blood. Wearing these stockings starting from your feet up to knee level can prevent swelling caused due to DVT. Patients suffering from the condition should wear these stockings during the day for a minimum of two years. 

5. Stay active
If you have been bed-ridden after surgery, you must make sure that you make an effort to get moving as soon as possible. This will help you prevent any blood clots from forming. Avoid sitting or standing for more than an hour at a stretch. Keep changing positions, as this prevents the formation of blood clots.