Blood clots are a collection of sticky blood cells that form when a blood vessel is damaged. The body creates blood clots as a normal response to blood vessel damage. The main job of a blood clot is to seal the leak in a damaged blood vessel. This prevents the blood from leaking out and protects the person from bleeding. Clots (or thrombi) that block the arteries and prevent flow of blood and oxygen to an organ can lead to areas of tissue damage (infarcts). When blood clots break (called an embolism) away from the area they're meant to protect, they can endanger other organs.

Treatment and Prevention
Medications are usually used to stop progression of DVT and prevent the blood clot from worsening, breaking away, and moving to the lungs. If you think you may have DVT, seek medical attention right away.

Blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, heparin (either unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins, like enoxaparin, dalteparin, or tinzaparin), fondaparinux, or oral anticoagulants (e.g., dabigatran, rivaroxaban) are usually recommended. The choice of blood thinner is highly individualized; it is based on medical history, preference, other health issues, cost, and convenience. These medications may be continued for several months after a blood clot has been diagnosed. The length of treatment usually depends on whether it was a first episode or a recurrent event, whether the event was brought on by a specific issue or not, and whether there are other health issues (e.g., active cancer). Most people do not require admission to a hospital to treat DVT, and those with DVT can usually return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks.

For some people, long-term treatment with warfarin (an anticoagulant) or oral anticoagulants (e.g., dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) may be necessary to prevent new blood clots from forming. Your doctor may also recommend that you wear an elastic compression stocking on your leg to prevent DVT. Painkillers may be used to reduce the pain. To relieve mild inflammation and discomfort, the affected area should be elevated and warm, moist packs applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time throughout the day. For people with superficial thrombophlebitis, activities such as walking are recommended. If the inflammation and symptoms last longer than a day or two, or if symptoms become worse, see a doctor as soon as possible.

In cases where the thrombophlebitis is due to an infection, treatment with antibiotics often takes care of the problem. In rare cases, when the antibiotics aren't enough to control the infection, surgical removal of the inflamed portion of the vein may be required. To help prevent DVT, avoid long periods of immobility such as those during long car trips or airplane flights. Try to walk around and stretch for a few minutes every hour or so. Elevate your legs above your heart level if possible, and if you have a history of blood clots, wear support stockings or socks.