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How do I Relieve Blood Clot Pain?

T. Alaine
T. Alaine

Relieving blood clot pain is closely associated with breaking up the clot and, therefore, preventing further health complications caused by deep vein thrombosis. Pain experienced as a result of a blood clot is a clear indication that steps must be taken not only to relieve discomfort, but protect against the possibility of stroke or heart attack if the clot dislodges without dissolving first. The most common treatments for pain from blood clots are elevating the affected area, compression, applying moist heat, and medicating with blood thinning drugs.

Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs and can cause a medical condition known as deep vein thrombosis. Clots can be caused by several different sets of circumstances, including prolonged immobilization, surgery, heart problems or severe obesity. Some prescriptions, most notably, oral contraceptives, are also linked to formation of blood clots. Preventing a blood clot from forming is obviously the best way to avoid blood clot pain, but this is not always possible.

Breaking up a blood clot is one way to relieve pain associated with it.
Breaking up a blood clot is one way to relieve pain associated with it.

Unnecessary clotting of the blood, or blood cells sticking together when they should not, causes blood clots. The methods of blood clot pain reduction, therefore, aim to break up the clot that is causing painful swelling. One way to ease blood clot pain is to elevate the affected area above heart level. For example, if a blood clot forms in your leg, you should recline with your leg propped up high enough to rest above your heart and relieve pressure on the clot. Wearing special garments called compression stockings can help relieve swelling as well as prevent further blood clots from forming in the legs.

Aspirin is a blood thinner and a painkiller that is commonly used to treat blood clots.
Aspirin is a blood thinner and a painkiller that is commonly used to treat blood clots.

Applying moist heat to the affected area can also help break up a blood clot and, consequently, relieve pain. A warm, wet compress can be pressed against the swollen or painful area, or you can soak in a warm bath. Heat will help temporarily relieve pain and possibly help break up a blood clot, but the best way to make sure a blood clot is treated is to have a doctor prescribe an anticoagulant medication. Anticoagulant drugs can be injected or taken orally and help to thin out the blood and reduce clotting. Aspirin, which is available in drugstores without a prescription, also has blood-thinning properties; after a blood clot is treated, doctors may recommend beginning a daily aspirin regimen to reduce the risk of future clots.

Discussion Comments

anon1000958

If you know you have a DVT clot in the leg, but the pain in your calf is bad, what is the best way to help without pain meds. This is my second clot in two years right behind my knee, and the pain in my calf will not ease off. I also have the pressure behind my knee as well.

Jewellian

I agree with SpecialBug. Relieving blood clot leg pain, or pain symptoms associated with blood clots in any other part of the body, is not a job for home remedies and non professionals. I would encourage a visit to the emergency room to avoid a stroke or heart attack. Easing the pain without getting to the root of the problem could be deadly.

SpecialBug

Don't play around with blood clots. If you have any indication that a blood clot is present in a leg, or if any other blood clot symptoms are present, see a health professional. Severe pain, minus a previous injury may indicate presence of a blood clot.

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    • Breaking up a blood clot is one way to relieve pain associated with it.
      By: ras-slava
      Breaking up a blood clot is one way to relieve pain associated with it.
    • Aspirin is a blood thinner and a painkiller that is commonly used to treat blood clots.
      By: blueskies9
      Aspirin is a blood thinner and a painkiller that is commonly used to treat blood clots.
    • Birth control pills can increase a woman's risk for blood clots.
      By: Kimberly Reinick
      Birth control pills can increase a woman's risk for blood clots.
    • Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs and can cause a medical condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Blood clots usually form in the veins of the legs and can cause a medical condition known as deep vein thrombosis.
    • Compression stockings can relieve blood clot swelling and prevent additional clots from forming.
      By: nito
      Compression stockings can relieve blood clot swelling and prevent additional clots from forming.
    • Blood clots prevent the flow of blood in blood vessels.
      By: stockshoppe
      Blood clots prevent the flow of blood in blood vessels.