How to Prevent Blood Clots in Your Legs
Blood Clots are a serious medical condition. Blood clots (medically knows as a deep vein thrombosis) can occur in people who don't move around a lot and are severely sedentary (especially if recovering from recent surgery), suffered from a broken bone (such as a leg or hip), are severely overweight, have heart trouble or possibly in someone taking a very long trip in either a car or an airplane.
But there are some measures to take to help prevent blood clots even if you are relatively healthy.
Instructions
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Awareness is always a priority. It's necessary to contact your physician if you notice any symptoms such as any new swelling in your arms or legs, any redness of the skin, any soreness or pain in your arms or legs or a warm spot on your leg.
These symptoms can be a warning that you are getting a blood clot and never should be ignored.
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Preventive measures to take:
Wear loose socks or stockings. If your physician suggests you wear compression stockings don't disregard this advice. If you are taking a very long trip by plane or in a car and are sitting for an extended period of time your doctor might prescribe that you wear this type of compression stockings.
When traveling make sure you stop often if you are driving so you can stretch your legs. This is important for both the driver and passengers. If flying get up from your seat and at least stand up. Walk to the restroom even if you don't need to go. Never keep your legs crossed if you are confined to the seat on a plane. Stretch your feet and move them back and forth often.
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If you have a desk job and sit all day then make sure to get up at least every hour to stretch your legs. Stand by your desk and raise up on your toes a few times to circulate the blood. Periodically walk to the restroom even if you don't need to use it.
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Never cross your legs. This might be a hard habit to break especially if you are a woman and prone to sitting with your legs crossed. If you must cross your legs than be consciously aware to uncross them often and also to get up and walk around to stretch your legs.
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Tips & Warnings
Never wear tight clothes, shoes, socks or stockings
Lose weight to take the pressure off your legs
Consult your physician if you notice any pain, redness or swelling in either your arms or legs.
