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.
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.
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.